Palace return with their most open-hearted collection yet, “Ox.” Palace’s fifth album, “Ox,” finds beauty and wisdom in the most human of revelations watching a child encounter music for the first time, feeling overcome by gratitude, or sensing that the possibilities ahead are endless
The album arrives as Palace continue to thrive as an independent act. What began in 2016 as Palace Presents, a monthly takeover at The George Tavern in London, has evolved into a worldwide community. This their fifth album “Ox” arrives entirely on the band’s own terms, marking a new era of independence shaped by the freedom to write songs for no one else but themselves. There’s a world of beauty and excitement to be found here: An instinctual, openhearted response from a band to their changing lives, channelling their signature dreamlike textures into songs that feel more alive with emotion than ever before.
Recorded in Deptford with longtime producer Adam Jaffrey, “Ox,” in drummer Matt Hodges’ words, has “a lightness and a momentum to it.” Across 10 warm, sprawling songs, the album embraces a more instinctive and organic approach, drawing inspiration from The Band, Townes Van Zandt, Edward Hopper’s hushed Americana and life on tour.
Following last year’s “Greyhound” EP, “Ox” places renewed emphasis on dynamics and space, with highlights including lead single “Kid”, an affirmation of love written about longing for one’s child while on the road and six-minute opus “Brown Bread.”
This autumn, the band will embark on a major North American run, following a sold-out homecoming show at London’s iconic Somerset House this summer.
The Fat Angel Sings 