Putting us in the picture

In the middle of their first tour, emerging south London band Picture Parlour fill us in on dealing with criticism and when fans can expect their debut album

- NICK REILLY

AT THE START OF 2023, Picture Parlour were playing shows at Brixton’s The Windmill, the influential south London venue where the likes of Shame, Black Midi and Black Country, New Road all honed their craft before bigger things beckoned.

But now the buzzy south Londoners find themselves in a very different position entirely. Their debut single ‘Norwegian Wood’ arrived in June and saw the group winning praise for the way it offered a modern and atmospheric take on classic rock stylings.

Still, it wasn’t all plain sailing. When Picture Parlour was interviewed by this very magazine, among other titles, faceless online critics accused the group of being industry plants — a vague phrase that’s been used as an unfair stick with which to beat bands with brilliant debut singles.

Picture Parlour’s latest, ‘Judgement Day’, sees them continue that sensational hot streak. Here, the band’s lead singer Katherine Parlour and guitarist Ella Risi tell us their story so far.

We’re speaking midway through your tour with The Last Dinner Party. It feels like a coming together of two of the year’s most hotly tipped bands.