Brand new single from Palejoy

While the city of Aberdeen might not be known as a hub for emo and alternative rock, Palejoy is an act working on changing that. The Scottish trio has recently arrived as an exciting new outfit in the UK’s underground music scene, bringing emotionally-charged songwriting to an often-overlooked corner of the genre. Formed by members of Broadsea and Alkanes, the band operates with a fiercely independent, DIY ethos, crafting a sound that blends pop punk accessibility and modern rock intensity with the vulnerability and spirit of emo.

Palejoy’s music is a direct reflection of personal experience, wrapped up with biting guitars, epic melodic lines and a refusal to compromise, their sound lands somewhere between modern alternative and classic emo revival. First introducing themselves late last year, the band unveiled their debut demo, “A Good Man Caught in a Storm” which they followed up with “I Went to the Shop and Joined a Cult.”

Beyond their recorded output, Palejoy’s live performances have earned them a rapidly growing following, playing with some of Scotland’s most exciting up-and-coming acts. A sold-out headline show confirmed what fans already knew; this is a band meant to be experienced live, where their intensity and presence truly shine.

Now, the band continues to shed their newcomer status to become a firmly established force by kicking off their 2025 with their latest single titled “Max Payne Au Chocolat.” Musically engaging yet lyrically profound, the song explores heartache and emotional betrayal, layering lively riffs over melancholic reflection to craft an epic rock outing full of rhythmic groove, memorable melodic writing and lofty atmospheric vibes.

Brought in by the growl of pulsing bass lines, the arrangement launches with splashing drums and gritty guitar riffs before simmering down as singer Dale Sutherland’s smooth vocal leads drift in. With delicate melodies, the energy swells in the chorus to deliver an anthemic sound of charging melodic rock capped by expressive vocal performance carrying gripping leads.

Recorded by Ewan Simpson and mixed and mastered by Mark Morrow, “Max Payne Au Chocolat” is a statement of intent from a band who continue to go from strength to strength in the alternative rock sphere of the UK. Paired with the single is a self-produced music video which sees the band perform the track in front of projected visuals, bathing them in colourful hues and lo-fi aesthetic to serve up a superb visual experience to go with their stellar new single.

Watch the music video for Max Payne Au Chocolat below

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