Release Date April 17th, 2026
Format CD/Digital
Genre Desert/Stoner/Psychedelic Rock
Origin USA
Born from the dust of the California low desert, Avon is the kind of project that doesn't need to try too hard because the pedigree is already there. You’ve got Alfredo Hernández on the drums, a man who basically helped invent this style with Kyuss and Queens Of The Stone Age. Then there is James Childs, who spent time with Airbus and worked with the legendary "Philthy Animal" Taylor, and Charles Pasarell holding down the low end. They aren't new to this game, and it shows in how they handle their business without any unnecessary flash.
"Black On Sunshine" captures that specific dry-heat energy you only get from people who actually live out in the Coachella Valley. It’s a collection of tunes that prioritize a certain hazy flow and a rhythmic swing that feels natural. The album moves through different shades of psychedelic rock and stoner grooves, keeping things relatively simple while making sure the volume does most of the talking. It isn’t trying to be the most complex thing in your collection, but it has a specific character that reflects its roots.
The drumming is the first thing that really hooks you. Alfredo Hernández has a way of hitting the skins that provides a constant, swaying motion, making the tracks feel like they are rolling across a flat highway. James Childs brings a vocal style and guitar work that leans into a melodic side of heavy rock, which keeps the songs from becoming just another collection of repetitive riffs. The interplay between the three of them is smooth, showing they have spent enough time together to know how to lock into a specific frequency.
There is a balanced mix of tracks here, ranging from more upbeat rockers to songs that let the psychedelic influences take over for a while. The production is straightforward and avoids any modern studio tricks that would ruin the organic vibe of the performance. It sounds like letting the amplifiers do what they were built to do. While it has its moments of being a bit laid back, the overall energy remains focused on that classic desert aesthetic.
If you are a fan of the whole Palm Springs scene, this is going to be right up your alley. It’s a reliable addition to the genre that focuses on the fundamentals of groove and tone. It won’t necessarily change your life, but it’s a great companion for a long drive through the middle of nowhere. It’s honest, heavy rock music that knows its identity and stays true to the sounds that these guys helped pioneer decades ago.
Damage done @: 6.5
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