British alt rock band Palace mesmerized the audience in Phoenix as they began their highly anticipated spring tour on Thursday night. The intimate setting of The Van Buren in Downtown Phoenix provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of soul-stirring music, supported by the heartfelt tunes of singer-songwriter Jens Kuross.
The timing of the tour couldn’t have been more perfect, coming hot on the heels of Palace’s latest album release, Ultrasound, which hit the airwaves just a week prior. Kuross, known for his soulful tunes and captivating stage presence, set the tone for the evening with a performance that left fans in awe.
Kuross’ versatile talent was on full display as he effortlessly weaved between songs, showcasing not only his skill as a songwriter but also his experience as a studio and touring musician. With a background that includes collaborations with Howling, RY X, and various LA-based jazz musicians, Kuross brought a unique flavor to the stage.
As he sipped throat coat tea between songs, fans couldn’t help but comment on his “sock game” which was apparently “on point” according to multiple voices from the barricade. Kuross set a mellow yet electric mood, feeding off of the energy from the crowd.
His most recent single, “Savage Lullaby”, fit perfectly within his setlist and -when faced with the challenge of picking a favorite song to perform- he humorously shared, “I can’t pick a favorite, but I appreciate you.”
As Palace took the stage, opening with “Forgive And Forget” and “When Everything Was Lost”, the atmosphere in the venue reached a fever pitch.
The audience released their emotions with screaming and dancing along to Palace’s set as the band effortlessly transitioned between old classics and tracks from their new album that took the fans on a journey through their evolution as artists.
Crowd favorites like “Live Well” and “Lover (Don’t Let Me Down)” had fans singing loud and proud, creating an atmosphere of unity and connection. Lead singer and guitarist Leo Wyndham expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is the best start to our tour and we really appreciate you guys,” before launching into the soulful “Love Is A Precious Thing”.
The vibes continued to soar with “Heaven Up There”, a track that resonated deeply with many fans. Wyndham took a moment to thank the crowd, recognizing the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the night. “You guys have been incredible,” he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Before bidding farewell, Palace treated the audience to another fan favorite, “Bitter”, which had the entire venue singing along at the top of their lungs. As the night came to a close, it was evident that Palace’s music had served as a cathartic release for many, with fans dancing off any remaining energy in a euphoric haze.
