Live Review: Palaye Royale - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
12th February 2023
Support: Starbenders
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
2020 seems so long ago, but back at the start of that year Palaye Royale caused a bit of a kerfuffle on their UK tour, most notability getting banned from a number of O2 sponsored venues. When their Birmingham date got canceled that year, those legends at KK’s Steel Mill stepped in and put the band on with less than 24 hours notice. Such a success was that evening that in this post pandemic world Palaye Royale have returned with a bigger show and much more notice!
Main support on this tour has been the critically acclaimed Yonaka, although sadly this evening they have withdrawn due to illness. Thus it is left to opening act Starbenders to fill the void.
The Atlanta, Georgia based outfit may be lesser known on this side of the pond, but have a growing reputation stateside, which is sure to blossom here off the back of this tour. As they launch into opener ‘Blood Moon’ they show their flare for entertainment, front woman Kimi Shelter a powerhouse of a vocalist drives them forward. They have a presence not too dissimilar to early Hole, with an attitude to match. But it’s not all grunge, there’s a mix of styles at play, hints Fleetwood Mac seep through as Kimi’s vocals and look remind you of Stevie Knicks at times.
‘The Game’ the bands latest single see’s its live debut in an extended set, thanks to the absence of Yanaka. This one channels the bands inner Motley Crue to round out the chaotic yet encapsulating show.
As the room darkens the rapturous screams begin, the atmosphere electric. Kicking off with ‘Nightmares’ the crowd goes wild as Palaye Royale play their opening notes. These lads have the energy of kids on a sugar rush, bouncing over the stage and into the crowd with reckless abandon through ‘No Love in LA’ much to the pleasure of their adoring fans. They thank the venue for that last minute show a few years ago, reminding the fans that KK’s Steel Mill holds a special place in the bands heart. Guitarist Andrew Martins bears an uncanny likeness to a young Brian May; in style, substance and even hair cut as he is backlit by the sparkling pyro flares that highlight the stage.
By the time they play ‘King Of Damned’ frontman Remington Leith is back in the crowd, this time riding a rubber dinghy above their heads whilst squirting a water gun. Soon, as the boat reaches the metal girders holding up the venues roof he is scaling them, swinging above the fans heads as the band play on.
As the set winds down neither the band nor the fans show signs of tiring. Frontman Remington Leith as much a Tasmanian devil on stage presence through the encore as he has been all evening. Standing aloft the crowd barrier to the adoration of his fans. ‘Lonely’ and ‘Fever Dream’ close off this rousing show complete with confetti cannon to top it all off.
All photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
Payale Royale fantastic band great songs at kk Mill Wolverhampton I’m 51 yrs old made old women happy there great lads with such great talent loved all the songs great place kk mill Wolverhampton can’t wait to see them or go there again
Payale Royale fantastic band great songs at kk Mill Wolverhampton I’m 51 yrs old made old women happy there great lads with such great talent loved all the songs great place Wolverhampton can’t wait to see them or go there again