Palaye Royale – Dark Side of the Silver Spoon

Prior to the release of Palaye Royale’s fifth studio album, Death Or Glory, the band released one final single, “Dark Side of the Silver Spoon.”

The single immediately lures you in with its theatrical, cabaret-like swing and atmosphere, creating a distinct feel. The musical flair is completed by the signature delivery of Remmington Leith’s vocals. The track’s melody also pays homage to Mott the Hoople’s iconic track, “All the Young Dudes,” connecting the trio's modern theatrical rock to their glam inspirations. Guitarist Sebastian Danzig described the song, tweeting, “TOLD YOU! Dark Side Of The Silver Spoon hits the Boom Boom Room era with a touch of Fever Dream especially in that bridge,” highlighting its connection to their earlier works.

The lyrics create a compelling duality with their dark nature counteracting yet complementing the upbeat, fun instrumental. Lines such as, “A velvet curtain hide the sound of guilt in secret rooms,” and “Tell me the truth, when did the drugs start doing you,” sit as perfect examples.

Danzing further emphasizes his connection to the song’s identity, tweeting, “For You, Dark Side Of The Sliver Spoon, Death or Glory and Pretty Stranger all have that identity I truly resonate with music.”

The accompanying music video, directed by Gianennio Salucci, captures the song’s contrasting energy. The video depicts the band breaking into an elderly couple’s home, tying them to chairs, and forcing them to watch an impromptu performance in their living room. Between serving them cake and engaging in other bizarre, playful activities, all while the couple remains horrified, the dark humor remains front and center. However, during the song's bridge, the couple sits happily on the stairs behind Leith, seemingly enjoying his performance. Returning to their terrified state tied to the chairs, Leith plants a kiss on their foreheads before the band exits. The darkly funny video encapsulates the infectious, playful energy along with its darker elements.

The album arrived on August 30, 2024, boasting 12 tracks filled with Palaye Royale’s distinct artistry. Following 2020’s Fever Dream, Death or Glory is a standout in the band's discography and a staple in their history. On the album, the trio commented, “Death or Glory is those split seconds of uncertainty as you are falling to the ground wondering if you will fly or hit the ground. It's where chaos meets harmony and where we find ourselves struggling between ego and self destruction, success and desperation and last but not least death or glory.”