Album Review: Lorquin’s Admiral – Lorquin’s Admiral (Argonauta Records)

Lorquin’s Admiral is a unique hook-filled, guitar driven, heavy-psychedelic collaboration featuring current and former members of Afghan Whigs, the Fizz Fuzz, Hermano, Luna Sol, Orquesta del Desierto, Sons of Alpha Centauri and Yawning Sons. Exploring the unexplored and making the case that rock is far from dead, the self-titled record will be released on June 27th, 2025, via Argonauta Records.

What a uniquely interesting record this is. A record that has the hazy familairity of desert rock, but enigmatically leans into other genres like blues, psychedelic, and alternative rock, effortlessly. It can be a bit of sensory overload, but remains addictively lovable throughout, especially as its major appeal comes from the unique combination of sounds and styles.

It is digestible though, and way more accessible than first expected and the proof is there from the start with the groovy and anthemic My Blue Wife. The riffs are vibrant, the drums give it some heft, and the vocals croon away. It, alongside the trippy Inexplicable Things (I love the vocals on this one), the dreamy desert rock sound of Could Have Been Forever, and the blues-infused groove banger that is Black Water, showcase a high level of creativity.

Each also show just how well this huge collaboration works, because, let’s be honest, the whole ‘too many cooks’ thing could have definitely happened here. Happily, that is far from the case and what we have is a collection of talented artists with the goal to make the best rock music possible. A feat they certainly achieve on this album as track after track sets the senses alight. Each is different in some way, but everything coming together cohesively so it doesn’t sound like a collection of random songs jammed together.

One of my favourite tracks is My Blue Husband as it has got a bit more ‘pep’. The guitars shine here, but the vocals are also immense. It’s also got some wacky touches that add even more colour. I love it, but I also love the album overall and it remains inherently addictive as it goes on with the likes of Aren’t We, Burn and Heal, and These Lovely Things. Each offer up mind blowing, body shaking, and soul buoying sounds.

It’s a really tight record to, over in succinct fashion, and going out in rhythmic and likable style with To Temptation. An addictive rock hit through and through with some moments of eccentric flair. A chilled way to end things.

Lorquin’s Admiral could have failed, but together, this talented group of people have created something that delivers on all its promises, stands out for positive reasons, and will live long in the memory.

Lorquin’s Admiral – Lorquin’s Admiral Track Listing:

1. My Blue Wife
2. Inexplicable Things
3. Could Have Been Forever
4. Black Water
5. My Blue Husband
6. Aren’t We
7. Burn and Heal
8. These Lovely Things
9. To Temptation

Links

Argonauta Records