January 2026 Release from PALAIS IDEAL of Netherlands on DARK VINYL RECORDS. I’ve been a big fan of the band since 2018 “No Signal” and the groundbreaking 2019 “Pressure Points“. Their sound contains many of the traits of Post-Punk but with a complexity closer to progressive rock. They have taken on some heady concepts in the lyrical subject matter that always leaves me feeling like I am watching lost episodes of Black Mirror scored by Killing Joke.
by PALAIS IDEAL
| 1. | Here and Now 04:05 | |||
| 2. | Deadlock 04:05 | lyrics | buy track | |
| 3. | All For one 04:02 | |||
| 4. | Hold On Tight To Nothing 02:52 | |||
| 5. | Easy On The Eye 03:01 | |||
| 6. | You Never 03:47 | |||
| 7. | The Exploding Universe 03:18 | |||
| 8. | No-one 04:12 | |||
| 9. | Burn It Down 04:11 | |||
| 10. | All As One 04:49 |
released January 16, 2026
Released by DARK VINYL RECORDS
John Edwards: Vocals, Guitar, Synths
Richard van Kruysdijk: Bass Guitar, Synths, Drums & Programming, Backing Vocals
As a duo John and Richard create so much activity between them. Constant flitting motion with telepathic syncopation. This new record has a brightness of spirit as contrast to some of the darker themes on previous releases. This also hit hard on the attack with tracks like “All for One” which really lean into the punk rock ethos with a bit more edge on John’s vocals. For the majority of the record he rings with more clarity and beauty. I hear more Ian McCulloch warmth in the delivery and it adds a wonderful layer to the images in your mind.
Favorite Track: “HOLD ON TIGHT TO NOTHING” – This track is just gorgeous. It just keeps lifting and driving with an early Church flavor. John’s voice is so captivating here and the bassline really drives the melody. I could play this on repeat for an hour and not be sad about it.
Sometimes it’s hard to force a smile back on your face
when everything is stupid.
I know the most effective way to make it worse
is not to stop complaining.
Hold on tight to nothing
Hold on tight to nothing
Sometimes it’s hard to force a smile back on your face
because everyone is ugly.
Please note, be that as it may, your time is short, why not use it wisely?
Hold on tight to nothing
Hold on tight to nothing
never let go
