Palaye Royale (formerly Kropp Circle) has been on the music scene since 2008. Despite their lack of popularity, their fifth studio album, “Death or Glory”, is their highest-charting debut.
For the first time in the band’s history, “Mr. Doctor Man” is not in the top five highest-streamed songs on Spotify; all spots are occupied by songs from “Death or Glory”.
I have been a fan of Palaye Royale since 2019, my first song being “Mr. Doctor Man”. I have loved them ever since, even naming my cats after two of the members.
In May of 2024, the first single, “Just My Type” was released, and I instantly fell in love. Prior to this, the group had released singles and EPs, so I assumed this would be part of another EP.
“Just My Type” quickly became one of my favorite singles from the band out of the ones released. It’s a sweet love song surrounding the feeling of finding someone, despite how “crazy” they are.
Words cannot express how happy this song makes me. It’s sweet, catchy, and the singer’s, Remington Leith, vocals are some of his best. All of the members absolutely killed this track.
After a couple unrelated singles, the group announced the second single, “Showbiz”, as well as the eventual album.
I don’t know how, but each single the group releases is somehow better than the last. “Showbiz” describes the struggle of being famous, especially with a smaller following. Over the summer, this song was constantly on repeat.
Kropp Circle had been on Disney Channel’s “Next Big Thing” in 2009, which is referenced by the line “was just a teen with a superstar dream, was a Disney freak.” Everything about the song is beautiful.
About a month later, “Ache In My Heart” was released. I had forgotten it was released, so I didn’t listen to it right away. I still regret it.
“Ache In My Heart” is so catchy and relatable, which is why I regret putting it off. Words cannot express how wonderful this song is. Leith’s vocals are, once again, breathtaking as always.
A week before the release of “Death or Glory”, “Dark Side of the Silver Spoon” came out. To say I was surprised by the sound is an understatement.
The instrumental and overall vibe of the song is very reminiscent of the band’s earlier albums, more specifically “Boom Boom Room Side B”, which was tied for my favorite album for several years.
In short, “Dark Side of the Silver Spoon” is another masterpiece, as expected from Palaye Royale.
The album opens with the title track, “Death or Glory”. By this point, I knew “Death or Glory” would be my new favorite album of theirs. While I don’t know the words, yet (thanks a lot, Spotify), this track is so catchy and I can’t wait to learn it.
I audibly gasped when I heard “Hot Mess” for the first time. I love everything about this song, except for the length, at a criminal two minutes and 28 seconds. Why are some of artists’ best songs always so short?
I could go on forever about how much I love “Hot Mess”. Everything about the melody, lyrics, vocals, music, vibes, is absolutely perfect.
If it wasn’t clear previously, “Hot Mess” is my favorite Palaye Royale song (which was previously “Fever Dream”). Despite being released on the second-to-last day of the month, it was my most streamed song in August.
“For You” is a fan favorite, and for good reason. While I’m not a fan of Coldplay, their influence is evident in this track, and I don’t hate it.
This track is absolutely beautiful and deserves every ounce of love and praise it receives. Upon first listen, it was my second favorite on the album.
“Mister Devil” was another one that made me audibly gasp. Leith’s metal-like vocals are INSANE in the best way possible. The energy of the track is so fun and very on-brand for Palaye.
The lyrics and overall sound of the track remind me of their album “The Bastards”, which is another amazing album. While I don’t know the lyrics (again, thanks, Spotify), I absolutely love it.
“Addicted to the Wicked & Twisted” is another fan favorite, and for good reason. The band’s talent is highly evident in this track, and it’s extremely catchy. I’m beyond excited to learn the lyrics more.
“Self-Loathing Conversation” became my second favorite off this record by the end, and this remains true. It has similar vibes as “For You” sonically.
From what I’ve gathered, it discusses the band’s mental health and how it connects to their love life, which I connect with, which is another reason I love it so much.
“Been Too Long” is another upbeat and catchy track. I absolutely adore the vocals and music. Since its release, I have had this one stuck in my head at least twice a day.