As 2023 draws to a close, London-based indie band Palace also mark the end of the year with the release of the conclusion to their two-part series – their latest EP ‘Part II – Nightmares & Ice Cream’, the follow-up to their previously released EP ‘Part I – When Everything Was Lost’. As yet another testament to the band’s growth, artistic prowess, and ability to craft music that resonates deeply with their audience, the three-track EP once again takes their listeners on a journey through the mosaic that is life and being human, with all its ups and downs, and perfectly showcases Palace’s refined focus and musical talent.
Produced by Adam Jaffrey (credited for his work with Loyle Carner and Tom Misch) at Unwound Studios, the grandiose EP kicks off with the mellow and laid-back tones of ‘Rabid Dog’ – a song that, according to vocalist Leo Wyndham, is all about “realizing that our inner child is always present and part of us. In fact, we are still that person, we’re all just older and the vulnerable child is very much still there.” Featuring intricate electric guitars and Wyndham’s honey-sweet vocals singing lyrics like, “This child in my heart / It’s been riddled with blame / Let’s go back to the start / To reason with shamе”, the track sets the stage for a sonic journey that Palace navigates with a newfound precision and clarity.
Next up, the multi-layered ‘Make You Proud’ beautifully exemplifies the three-piece’s ability to evoke emotions through their music and sees the group jump into the well-known theme pool that is love in all its shades. Specifically, the song uncovers the motions of the very beginning of love, as Wyndham states: “It’s about insecurity in new love. Questioning oneself constantly and overthinking at every turn – but still having this incredible patience and support from a partner.”
The title track and EP closer, ‘Nightmares & Ice Cream’ surprises with a dreamier, more hypnotic atmosphere, with singer Wyndham singing, “Nightmares and ice cream / Nosedived your dreams / I hope I die soon, I hope I die soon / A cold sweat at your door / A ghost’s breath at your door”. In all its magic, the song provides a moment for introspection on the events of the past year, as, according to the three friends, it offers “another snapshot of life and moments of the past year. It’s a hazy chapter of intense reflection on past events, but also a sort of purgatory where we stumble forward, stunned, trying to find some kind of grip on reality.”
Even though Palace’s latest release might only be three songs long, the band once more successfully crafted a sonic journey that looks back on their artistic evolution and pushes them forward on their path ahead, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds. This might be the end of 2023, but Palace’s chapter is only getting started.
Written by Laura Weingrill // photography by Adrian Lee
GEM Magazine 