LIVE REVIEW: Palaye Royale @ SWX, Bristol

Despite recent cancellations throughout their UK/European tour, PALAYE ROYALE has tried their best to still deliver brilliant shows across the country. Luckily, their show in Bristol’s SWX venue still went ahead as planned and ready to present their The Bastards show on their final day in the UK before taking the show into Europe. With two bands to support them, this should be a show to close out a hectic but unforgettable tour, right?

Starting off the night with CHARMING LIARS probably wasn’t the best idea as they attempted to make a large impression on the crowd but instead come across as awkward and sometimes embarrassing at points. They’re very similar to the band in School Of Rock that Jack Black’s character got kicked out of, except with added inspiration from IMAGINE DRAGONS. With the only positive was that the drummer was killing it and really deserved better than this band. But there’s only so far that posing for photos and trying too hard as a singer can take a band, and without that many memorable or unique songs to back up that presence, it became a mostly awkward experience for those watching. Charming they are not. 

Rating: 4/10

On the opposite end, COUNTERFEIT gave a fantastic and passionate performance that managed to immediately liven up the room just with the power of their music. Bringing both musical talent and thoughtful lyrics, especially when speaking to the audience about conquering fear and connecting those emotions to their music. They really brought the room together in those moments, and made a great impression on all in the venue. There were times where the live vocals were a little off but to fault that kind of dedication does not feel right, especially when all of the members of the band played their hearts out. Connecting with the audience by linking it all back to their songs and their music made this a great experience to witness and shows that these guys are the real deal in music. They are worth checking out and further supporting.

Rating: 8/10

Finally, PALAYE ROYALE brought a punk rock and roll energy onto the stage. Even though vocalist Remmington Leith was admittedly ill, he still carried on like a champion, engaged with all those in the audience and was entertaining throughout. With an eclectic setlist of older classics and newer singles, a fun stage presence from all the members of the band, and a showcase of amazing talent from the touring members as well, especially their guitarist and his solos, especially during the encore. From a large start by kicking off with Fucking With My Head to their encore songs, Mr Doctor Man and Get Higher, the whole band rolled through the whole show with high energy through every single song, never letting up once. 

Contact with the audience is always important to be able to connect with the music and make the band human to acknowledge their fans, and PALAYE ROYALE does it a lot, especially for Ma Cherie, where Remmington had jumped into the crowd to sing it with the audience. As this was done closer to the end of the set and when the band could see the audience were well planted on their side, this was a sweet gesture to make the fans feel a part of the show. Even in the softer moments like with Dying In A Hot Tub are made that more special by that audience connection. Overall, a brilliant night after everything that happened to the band in the country. In the end, despite the troubles that have plagued PALAYE ROYALE, they made an entertaining show with a great setlist and a brilliant end to the UK run of the tour.

Rating: 8/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Bristol from Serena Hill Photography here: