The Texas heavy rockers High Desert Queen are back with a bang, ready to unleash their new album, Palm Reader, on May 31st. This highly anticipated release, brought to you by Magnetic Eye Records, marks the second full-length album from one of the bands instrumental in shaping the vibrant Lone Star State heavy underground scene.
High Desert Queen was formed in 2019 with Ryan Garney and Rusty Miller at the helm behind an eclectic backdrop of influences. They soon added Phil Hook on drums and Ryan’s daughter Morgan on bass. The band released its debut album, Secrets of The Black Moon, in 2021 to rave reviews. During several successful U.S. and European tours, they showcased an incredibly high-energy live performance that has turned many heads in the heavy underground.
“With a new album on the horizon, roll down the windows, hit cruise control, and turn the volume up!” the band tells us. “High Desert Queen brings the Texas heat with them wherever they go. Keep your ear to the road; you will not want to miss your chance to see them live.”
The new record blasts off with “Ancient Aliens” and a signature High Desert Queen muscular riff. Hook’s drums provide the high-volume backbeat on a song that bursts with powerful energy. “Death Perception” comes next and features Emma Naslund on vocals. Emma’s sultry rock ‘n roll voice adds a beautiful twist to another rugged and heavy song.
“Head Honcho” is one of the longest songs at over nine minutes. It’s a thunderous song that blends Southern grit with electrifying guitar riffs that hit harder than a Texas-sized twister. The title track features a funk-fused guitar riff that brings some heavy psych to the table. Like the rest of the record, “Palm Reader” sets an unrelenting pace from the start and doesn’t take its foot off the gas pedal.
“Time Waster” shows off Hook’s drumming prowess and features a groove ‘n roll riff that also brings the ferocity of a rattlesnake. The rhythm section provides a rock-solid foundation, propelling the song forward with a relentless drive. “Tuesday Night Blues” is the rare song on the album that slows things down and brings some bittersweet vibes. There are touches of heavy psychedelia mixed with the Stevie Ray Vaughan-esque guitar playing. However, just when you think High Desert Queen is down in the dumps, the song explodes into a raw and captivating rocker in the chorus.
The record closes with another long track, “Solar Rain.” While the track starts in a more ballad-like way, it switches between lighter and heavier sections. The vocals soar with a ferocious intensity, and the song features a brooding melody, creating a sense of palpable longing that’s fulfilled in the powerful chorus and guitar solos.
High Desert Queen’s Palm Reader is another terrific effort by these Austin-based rockers who are becoming vital to the growing Texas Desert Rock scene. Each track is crisp but mighty, retaining a rough-around-the-edges charm that is quintessentially Texan at its core. Palm Reader is an album that demands to be played as loud as possible, preferably with the windows down and the open road ahead. This new record is a must-listen for fans of heavy rock and a love for Texas’ fierce spirit. Enjoy!
Pre-order Palm Reader by High Desert Queen on Bandcamp here.
You can support High Desert Queen by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Facebook, Instagram).
Support Magnetic Eye Records by finding them on Bandcamp, their official website, or social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter).
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