Picture Parlour – ‘The Parlour’ Review: London Rockers Make Their Bold Breakthrough

Picture Parlour’s debut album ‘The Parlour’ blends raw rock energy with fresh swagger, marking a big swing for the buzzy London indie scene.

From Grit to Glory: Picture Parlour’s Rise

If you’ve been following the London underground rock buzz, Picture Parlour’s journey is impossible to ignore. Since gracing the cover of a major music publication in mid-2023, this Manchester-born, London-based duo has faced quite the rollercoaster ride. Their recent single, Talk About It, ripples with the tension of their experience—torn between brutal online skepticism calling them ‘industry plants’ and the organic grassroots hype they earned playing sweaty gigs.

Their word-of-mouth buzz, built in intimate spots like The Windmill, caught the eye of Island Records and even won over Courtney Love, who attended one of their earliest shows. Following the path carved by fresh indie acts like The Last Dinner Party and Fat Dog, Picture Parlour’s lineup shrank from a quartet to the dynamic duo we know now: Liverpudlian Katherine Parlour on vocals and guitar, and North Yorkshire’s Ella Risi wielding guitar riffs with swagger.

Old-School Rock Meets New-School Confidence

What sets Picture Parlour apart is their clever blend of classic rock’n’roll grit with a modern punch. Katherine Parlour’s addictive, slightly sneering vocal rasp combined with Risi’s guitar work that recalls the raw crunch of The White Stripes gives them an unmistakable edge. This isn’t a band hiding behind polished studio gloss—they’ve earned their stripes in the gritty live circuit, crafting their sound with the kind of hands-on experience that’s growing rare today.

This album didn’t come from resting on laurels or playing it safe. It’s clear they pushed through challenges and noise to build something genuinely compelling.

The Soundtrack to ‘The Parlour’

Take a listen to their video for The Travelling Show—a vivid glimpse into their storytelling flair and evocative soundscape:

The record itself carries forward the elegance teased in their debut single, Norwegian Wood (yes, a nod to the classics), which finds its rightful place on this album. Tracks like Cielo Drive and Who’s There To Love Without You? slice through with sharp, confident riffs, pulling listeners into the imaginary ‘Parlour’—a symbolic stage paying tribute to their humble, sweat-soaked roots.

The album balances jagged guitar moments in 24 Hour Open and $4 Fantasy with softer, narrative-driven songs like Around The Bend and the theatrical The Travelling Show. The latter lays bare Parlour’s complicated ties to her hometown, weaving a tale of journeys from Manchester to London and Nashville, wrapping everything in a dramatic, coming-of-age musical style.

Swagger, Wit, and a Nod to the Arctic Monkeys

One of the standout tracks, Used To Be Your Girlfriend, drops the band’s confident armor, revealing a playful, almost deadpan humor that fans of Alex Turner’s lyrical wit will appreciate. If you’ve longed for an Arctic Monkeys vibe reminiscent of their AM era, this album might just fill that craving better than you expected.

The unavoidable comparisons to rock legends hover over The Parlour, but rather than feeling like a burden, they highlight the band’s potential. This debut proves Picture Parlour has the chops and conviction to carve out their own distinctive sound—one future rock bands will look to emulate.

Album Details

• Label: EMI
• Release Date: November 14, 2025

Wrapping It Up: A New Chapter for London Rock

Picture Parlour’s The Parlour is more than just a debut; it’s a statement. With their raw energy, sharp songwriting, and a sound that bridges the old-school and new-school rock divide, they’re poised to leave a lasting mark. What do you think? Will this album become the soundtrack for a new wave of rock revival? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• What genre does Picture Parlour’s music belong to?
  They blend classic rock’n’roll roots with fresh indie rock, creating a sound both gritty and immediate.
• Who are the members of Picture Parlour?
  The band is currently a duo: Katherine Parlour (vocals, guitar) and Ella Risi (guitar).
• Where was ‘The Parlour’ recorded?
  The album was recorded in Nashville, adding depth to their transatlantic rock vibe.
• Which track showcases their storytelling best?
  The Travelling Show stands out for its theatrical, coming-of-age narrative.
• How does ‘The Parlour’ compare to Arctic Monkeys?
  Fans of Arctic Monkeys, especially their AM era, will find a playful deadpan lyricism and swagger that recalls those vibes.

Feel the energy of Picture Parlour’s bold debut every day by bringing their iconic album cover into your space. Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here and keep the rock spirit alive!