Album Review
4 Stars A remarkable debut that showcases conceptual depth and suggests great potential.
Reviewer: Sophie Flint Vázquez
Released: 14th November 2025
Label: Island
Following the release of their first single ‘Norwegian Wood’ in 2023, Picture Parlour received an immediate wave of acclaim, including a shout-out from Courtney Love. Two years later, their ascent has proven to be more consistent than their initial rapid rise seemed to indicate, making the wait worthwhile. The band transports listeners back to the ‘70s—evident in their Pink Floyd-inspired album artwork and guitarist Ella Risi’s bold, Zeppelin-like riffs (as heard in ‘Cielo Drive’). Throughout ‘The Parlour’, the raw, unrefined electric guitar complements Katherine Parlour’s powerful vocals, infused with a pure rock’n’roll essence—imagine Amy Winehouse leading T. Rex. While the sound evokes nostalgia for a bygone decade, they manage to refresh a familiar style. Certain tracks feel unbelievable for a debut: ‘Norwegian Wood’ captivates with Katherine’s soulful, resonant voice. The seamless delivery of the ‘Talk About It’ chorus reflects a maturity beyond their years, and the psychedelic synths featured at the conclusion of ‘$4 Fantasy’ signify attention to detail. At times, however, their enthusiasm leads to slight missteps: the latter half of ‘Around the Bend’ meanders a bit, and in certain instances, their influences threaten to overshadow their originality. Melodically, ‘Used To Be Your Girlfriend’ shines, though it occasionally bears an uncanny resemblance to Arctic Monkeys’ ‘That’s Where You’re Wrong’. Overall, this is a noteworthy debut that showcases conceptual depth and hints at significant potential. If ‘The Parlour’ is any indication, Picture Parlour’s eventual rise to mainstream recognition seems destined.
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