The imagery of a revolver aimed toward an unforeseen foe, drenched under the bitter sun, is a stark vision to begin any journey with. Specifically, this imagery aches for a soundtrack ripped from an American western film where characters’ navigate a narrow strip of morality in an attempt to simply survive.
Then the slow-scraping, rough-edged guitar picking of ‘65’ begins. Soon, a bitter accompaniment of drums and reverbed guitar licks lurch in as the song aches toward the singer’s lament. In a muddled haze of vocals, there is rarely a moment where true comprehension of what’s being said is possible. We as listeners just know it’s dire.
We also know, without a doubt, this is the soundtrack to that vivid imagery presented in the album’s artwork.
Los Palms’ self-titled LP, released August 29 on Fuzz Club, is very cognisant of staying true to this conceptual design presented on the cover. Even in its own description, there is a confidence in the imagery, sound and graspable comparisons this album seeks out.
“From dimly lit dive bars to desolate desert highways, Adelaide, Australia outfit Los Palms deliver a soundtrack soaked in vintage fuzz,” the Bandcamp description reads. “Their self-titled sophomore album leans further into their signature ‘desert jangle’ sound, with ‘60s garage, spaghetti western and modern psych influences.”
Meeting at the intersection of The Doors ‘Roadhouse Blues,’ Lord Huron’s ‘Long Lost,’ and the towering dread of Tom Waits’ most sinister moments, Los Palms vibes effortlessly across its 10 tracks.
Perhaps some of the best moments within songs occur when Los Palms allow the music to overtake the listener’s senses. Through an orchestral haze, the vocals are swept away to allow the band to serenely jam away. This is most evident on songs ‘Step Back,’ ‘Eleven Thirty Three,’ and ‘Holiday For Days.’
When it comes to an uptempo throttle forward, look no further than ‘Fooled Me.’ With an almost punk rock energy infused with Johnny Cash guitar licks, the song’s pace is frantic and wildly fun to take in.
Though the menacing feeling remains, on a few songs Los Palms use their gravity to slow the pace down. On the songs ‘Sorrows’ and ‘Catatonia Disco,’ there is a sense of respite as the listener catches their breath.
On the album’s closer, ‘The Most Beautiful Death,’ Los Palms delivers with a sense of finality. Ever the storytellers, the singer’s final aches of “Take Me Home Again” as the final beatings of the drum and reverbed echoes of muddled, strangled cacophony of instruments carry the listener off.
Los Palms’ latest album arrives following their 2022 debut Skeleton Ranch and the standalone ‘From The Shadows’ (2024) and ‘Cruise’ (2025) singles and videos. The band have shared stages with the likes of The Murlocs, Babe Rainbow, L7 and The Growlers, and are coming off their first European tour in 2024.
Los Palms is available on all platforms and can be accessed via the band’s linkfire – Click Here. Support the band on Bandcamp.
Los Palms: Facebook / Instagram
Review by Joshua Gutierrez
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