Through strobing lights and a foreboding haze, Palace's soft embrace graced us at Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall last Thursday.
Locals Girl and Girl opened the night (26 June). I only caught the tail end of their set, but was immediately impressed. Instant energy as they (literally) swung around with their guitars. I did feel it was a bit of a weird pairing for the night, but you will see no complaints from me! To quote Palace later in the night: "These guys are going to be famous."
Lights strobed and Palace entered. I hadn't seen such glowing, smiling faces in the front row in some time. Lead singer and guitarist, Leo Wyndham had little to no reverb on his microphone. This is a bold move and not seen often as it hides no imperfections in your voice, especially when playing guitar.
However, this was of no concern for Leo. His soft, but striking tone with extended, drawn-out notes that fade away as he steps back from the microphone were incredibly raw and emotive.
Palace - image © Kalem Horn
The singing harmonies from the band were also beautiful and subtle, and was a standout for me. Palace felt like a post-rock/ progressive/ ambient light. I ended up being reminded more of Sigur Ros than say Maribou State.
Throughout the show, the crowd was lively dancing and swaying, talking a little amongst themselves up the back, but not for song 'Gravity'. Leo's raw vocals pierced the dead air. The instrumental begun with twinkly lead and fuzzy backing guitar. Time stood still for a moment, everyone frozen in a siren's call.
Pressure built over minutes with a sense of impending crescendo. For the piece's final moments, in intense juxtaposition, the stage lights flashed off and the song ended with strong silence before the crowd erupted in applause. I could have easily seen the song hold the atmosphere for multiple minutes.
Palace - image © Kalem Horn
Sitting in the energy to transcend us to a trance-like state. I understand this is very much my personal taste; and Palace is far more within the realm of a more palatable music rather than the niche, ten-minute progressive nonsense I like, but I couldn't help feeling wasted potential.
Not long after was time for 'Live Well'. One of their largest hits, and I see why. Incredibly catchy with a melody that stands out from most pop music. It was incredibly bright and light in mood, far more palatable than Palace's other pieces, and can be an easy track to spin on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd sung loudly with their favourite song.
It still fit with the rest of the set, but I found my hipster self still liking the 'progressive lite' ones. Nevertheless, the calibre of entertainment and atmosphere was of upmost quality that punch far above the regular.
Palace - image © Kalem Horn
Stage lights were in a standard back-lit zigzag pattern. A tried and tested method. Deep haze was used onstage. Lighting was kept incredibly dramatic and engaging. Combined, they very much added to the mystique of the songs.
I was heavily impressed with tonight's show. I sadly missed their last tour in 2022 due to personal reasons and this was so worth the wait. Palace really brought a unique angle I was not expecting. A blend of many genres to become the sum greater than its parts. Atmosphere was very strong and memorising. This was an above-average experience for me. Thanks Palace.
More photos from the concert.
