Los Palms’ sophomore self-titled album is a confident sonic statement from an Australian band carving out its own space in the modern psych-rock scene. Adelaide’s trio has always leaned into hazy, guitar-driven landscapes, but here their sound is more focused, more deliberate, and more expansive than ever. There’s a cinematic quality to the record, a sense of place that carries the listener into those cigarette smoke-polluted and whiskey-drenched night bars to sun-bleached highways, but it never feels generic, repetitious, or bland. Instead, it’s a natural evolution of a band refining its identity while keeping its sound as raw, abrasive, gritty, and dynamic as possible. From the opening notes and beats, the record establishes a sound that screams Los Palms name. Tremolo-heavy guitars ring and jangle, drenched in reverb that gives the melodies more than necessary weight and space. Each note rings out clearly yet hums with luxuriant texture. The arrangements are layered without being overcluttered, balancing multiple guitar lines, low-ends, and rhythmic patterns in a way that lets every element have room to breathe. There’s more than hearable clarity here that wasn’t as present on their previous release, and it gives the album a sense of maturity without losing its signature moves. Vocals ride the reverb like another instrument, delivering lines with such precision and finesse. These harmonies do not overpower the guitars or rhythm section but instead glide above them, giving the melodies clear direction and shape. The phrasing is casual yet precise, drawing attention to the emotion without forcing it too much. You’ll notice a cinematic twang to the singing, a subtle nod to all those spaghetti western influences, reinforcing the sense of storytelling threaded through the record.
Rhythm drives the album forward with such grace and style, with detailed basslines and precise drumming locked into steady and dynamic grooves. The bass guitar sounds warm and round, filling the low end without ever dominating in the mix. It supports the guitars and vocals while occasionally leaning into melodic lines that keep the listener even more engaged. Drums are crisp and groovy, with fills and accents placed to maximize movement as much as possible. The rhythm section acts as an engine that carries the fuzzed-out melodies across the record, maintaining propulsion while simultaneously leaving space for dynamics to naturally develop. These tracks shift between hazy, atmospheric stretches and sharper, more energetic passages without ever feeling over the top. Moments of moody melody give way to angular riffs and dynamic beats, creating tension and release that keep the listener hooked from start to finish. The band sustains energy without exhausting it, allowing quieter, more contemplative parts to land with more impact. There’s a cleverly crafted pacing that enhances its cinematic feel. Guitar lines are often simple, but they carry catchiness because of how they interact with rhythm and vocals. The band’s use of tremolo, reverb, and harmonic interplay gives these melodies texture and depth, and repeated listening reveals small details, sliding notes, subtle bends, and rhythmic quirks, making this record rewarding over time. Hooks emerge organically from the arrangements rather than feeling imposed, giving the music a sense of flow and purpose. Los Palms’ second LP leans more heavily into their “desert jangle” aesthetic than ever before. The influence of sixties garage and spaghetti western soundtracks is more than clear, but it never feels generic. The band translates these influences into a modern psych-rock context, with grooves and tonalities that feel so contemporary. Fuzz is present without overwhelming the mix, giving the music abrasiveness and edge while keeping melodic clarity as much as possible. The record balances between rawness and polish, capturing the energy of live performance while benefiting from thoughtful studio production.
The record also demonstrates texture and tone that set it apart from many modern psych-rock releases. Each vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver is shaped to create a layered, immersive experience. There’s space for tremolo to shine, reverb to echo with cave-like space, bass to pulse steadily with warmth under it all. The outstanding production allows the natural chemistry of the band to come through, giving this material cohesion and a distinctive sonic identity. The band varies tempo and feel across tracks, creating subtle shifts in energy that prevent the album from flattening out. There’s a propulsion on some tracks built for movement, while others glide with a more measured pace, letting melody and tone carry the weight. The album maintains a sense of motion without relying on obvious tricks, dynamics and arrangement choices do the heavy lifting, demonstrating experience and instinct. Songs never feel overcrowded. There’s more than enough room for the instruments and vocals to interact naturally. Tremolo and reverb are used to highlight rather than obscure, and instrumental passages breathe without stalling momentum. This understanding of how to shape sonic space contributes to the immersive quality of this material, giving it a sense of scale and depth beyond its running time. Los Palms’ growth is evident in their confidence. There’s a self-assurance in their performance that distinguishes the album from their debut. The band takes risks with arrangements and textures, exploring atmospheric and melodic possibilities without losing the core of their sound. This is music that feels fully realized, composed enough to have shape and direction, yet free enough to retain spontaneity and energy. The album also carries an emotional weight that complements its sonic landscape. Tracks shift between introspective, moody passages and more extroverted, driving grooves, allowing you to experience reflection and exhilaration. The mood swings are handled smoothly, giving the record depth and resonance beyond surface-level riffs or textures. This balance makes Los Palms’ sophomore effort feel more human, natural, and intentional.
Los Palms’ new album captures the energy of their live shows while offering the precision and clarity that studio work can provide. It’s a record of confidence, character, and growth, one that establishes Los Palms as a psych-rock band capable of carving out a distinct voice within an overly crowded field. Los Palms is an expertly and wisely curated blend of desert jangle, cinematic reverb, fuzzed guitars, and melodic rhythms, everything you ever needed from nostalgic or modern psych-rock music. The band demonstrates a clear vision while leaving space for atmosphere and emotion, giving the album depth without sacrificing impetus. With their sophomore effort, Los Palms prove that they are evolving without losing what makes them distinct, a sense of place, tone, and character that sets them apart in modern psych and garage rock. Head to Fuzz Club for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.
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