PALMS - "Palms" (Album Review)

Saturday, June 22 2013 22:00

PALMS - "Palms" (Album Review)

Written by James Zahn

palmscover I don't have a definitive reason as to "why," but despite being a massive fan of the DEFTONES' early works, I have not purchased their last three studio albums (nor have I received digital promos). That places my last proper DEFTONES experience with their 2005 B-sides collection. While I've heard bits and pieces of their more contemporary works, as I said - I don't have a reason for the disconnect, but it certainly feels as if I've been unplugged from a band that I used to dig very much. My reason for deliving into the DEFTONES' rabbit hole tonight comes courtesy of PALMS, and their self-titled debut that is set for release this coming Tuesday via one of my favorite labels for recorded sounds, Ipecac Recordings. PALMS is magical.

Fronted by DEFTONES mainman Chino Moreno, and filled-out by Jeff Caxide, Aaron Harris, and Bryant Clifford Meyer of the late ISIS, PALMS has crafted an extraordinary six-song album (despite being in EP territory numerically) that has for me, rekindled my interest in DEFTONES due to Moreno's unmistakable and charismatic vocal stylings as presented against an atmospheric backdrop of grand proportions. While I love Moreno's vocals, it's the beauty and intricity of the music that serves to elevate the voice. And the ISIS boys 'done good.

While songs like "Patagonia" and "Tropics" sound great on their own, PALMS is best-served not in individual, radio-friendlly slices, but as a whole pie to be consumed in one sitting.

4half

The Rock Father Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Disclosure: A Digital Stream of the new album from PALMS was provided to The Rock Father by Ipecac Recordings for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn. \m/ \m/

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James Zahn

James Zahn is best-known as The Rock Father™, a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur. He is the Owner, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine. In January, 2019, after nearly a decade of publishing The Rock Father™ Magazine, he joined Adventure Media and Events as Senior Editor of The Toy Book—the leading trade publication for the toy industry since 1984, as well as The Pop Insider — a destination for all things pop culture, and The Toy Insider — the leading consumer guide for toys and games. He is also editor of The Toy Report, a weekly newsletter published by The Toy Book each Thursday. Zahn has over 27 years of experience in the entertainment, retail and publishing industries.

He regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global. A new album has been completed and is set for release this year.

Zahn and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, NBC, ABC, WGN, CBS, GCTN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Reuters, BusinessWire, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

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