The band formed in 2011, based on the musical partnership of frontmen Samuel Fryer and Chilli Jesson.

Palma Violets' first single, "Best of Friends", was voted NME's song of the year for 2012, and their debut album 180 was released on 25 February 2013.

[2] Palma Violets were formed by bassist/vocalist Alexander "Chilli" Jesson, guitarist/vocalist Samuel Thomas Fryer, keyboardist Jeffrey Peter Mayhew and drummer William Martin Doyle (not to be confused with East India Youth).

Having been selected as Zane Lowe's Hottest Record in the World, the Steve Mackey-produced track was released on to iTunes shortly after; serving as the second single to be taken from 180 following the Rory Attwell produced debut single, and winner of NME's 'Track of the Year 2012', "Best of Friends".

All the members of Palma Violets bar Chilli Jesson were in a new band called Gently Tender with Celia Archer of The Big Moon.