Dead Dads Club: Chilli Jesson’s Most Vibrant Work Since Palma Violets

Chilli Jesson channels raw grief into dynamic indie rock with Dead Dads Club, crafting his most compelling album since Palma Violets.

A New Chapter for Chilli Jesson

If you've followed the indie scene at all since the early 2010s, Chilli Jesson's name probably rings a bell. Back in 2012, he and his band Palma Violets stormed onto the scene with a brash energy that was impossible to ignore. Jesson, as their bassist and sometimes vocalist, was the cool, chaotic heart of the band—a mouthpiece for a generation craving raw, unfiltered indie rock. But behind that artfully disheveled image was a young man grappling with profound loss: he lost his father at just 14 to drug addiction.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and Jesson's grief resurfaces as the creative core of his new project, Dead Dads Club. What could have been a somber, heavy-handed concept instead bursts with vibrant energy and emotional depth, marking the most confident work Jesson has created since his Palma Violets days.

Weaving Grief Into a Soundtrack

Dead Dads Club’s self-titled debut album is described by Jesson as a narrative-driven journey through the years following his father’s death. But rather than spell everything out literally, the album crafts lyrics that are abstract enough to resonate with listeners on multiple levels.

From the hopeful opening of “It’s Only Just Begun” to the raw memory of “Running Out of Gas,” which hints at the strain of parental conflict, through to the euphoric closing track “Need You So Bad,” the album captures a spectrum of emotions. The beauty of these songs is they stand on their own, even when stripped from their conceptual roots.

The Sound Behind the Story

The production on Dead Dads Club owes a lot to Carlos O’Connell of Fontaines D.C., whose imprint is unmistakable. Jesson’s role as a touring member of the Irish post-punk giants clearly influenced this record in exciting ways.

Take “Don’t Blame The Son For The Sins Of The Father,” which erupts with a powerful riff that could easily slot into Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ era. Then there’s “Goosebumps,” where Jack White-inspired guitars cut through with gritty abrasiveness—a cheeky nod to raw rock’s timeless appeal. Add the stalking intensity of “Humming Wires,” and you’ve got some of the album’s most electrifying moments—tracks that demand to be played loud and experienced live.

A Melodic Tapestry of Influences

But the album isn’t just about hard-hitting rock. There’s a surprising variety here, from the catchy indie hooks of “Volatile Child,” which recall the infectious melodies of early The Strokes, to the woozy, psychedelic haze of “Junkyard Radiator.” And then the gentle, uplifting “Need You So Bad” provides a euphoric closing note, the musical equivalent of finding light after a long tunnel.

By confronting his darkest moments through music, Jesson has found both catharsis and creative rejuvenation. The Dead Dads Club isn’t a club anyone signs up for willingly, but Jesson’s soundtrack for this exclusive group is nothing short of compelling.

Album Details

• Record Label: Fiction Records
• Release Date: January 23, 2025

Wrapping It Up

Chilli Jesson’s Dead Dads Club is a stunning return to form—a record that balances personal pain with infectious energy and musical boldness. Whether you’re drawn to the heartfelt storytelling or simply crave some unapologetic, foot-stomping indie rock, this album is a must-listen.

What’s your favorite track from Dead Dads Club? Have you ever experienced music that helped you process tough times? Let’s chat in the comments!

FAQ

• How does Dead Dads Club differ from Palma Violets?
  While Palma Violets had a raw, youthful punk energy, Dead Dads Club explores more personal themes with a richer, more varied sound influenced by post-punk and indie rock.
• Who produced the Dead Dads Club album?
  Carlos O’Connell of Fontaines D.C. produced the album, bringing his signature post-punk edge to the record.
• What themes does the album explore?
  The album centers on grief, loss, and coming to terms with the absence of a parent, but it’s crafted in a way that allows the songs to stand alone as compelling indie tracks.
• When was the album released?
  Dead Dads Club was released on January 23, 2025.
• Is there a lead single or music video available?
  Yes, the official video for “That’s Life” showcases the band’s lively indie rock sound and is available to watch online.

Dive deeper into the music and memories of Dead Dads Club by grabbing your favorite album cover poster to keep the vibe alive in your personal space. Check out our collection today at Architeg Prints.