Lorquin’s Admiral – Self Titled

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · Published July 25, 2025 · Updated July 25, 2025

Lorquin’s Admiral is a new hard rock/ alternative band from Santa Rosa, California. Combining elements of desert rock, heavy psych, and grunge, the lineup features current and former members of Afghan Whigs, the Fizz Fuzz, Hermano, Luna Sol, Orquesta del Desierto, Sons of Alpha Centauri, and Yawning Sons. They consist of Dawn Brown on vocals, Dandy Brown on vocals, Nick Hannon on bass, Marlon King on guitar, and Steve Earle on drums. It also features the guitar playing of David Angstrom (Hermano, Luna Sol) and Country Mark Engel lending their talents on different tracks. The Self Titled album was released on June 27th 2025 on Argonauta Records. It contains nine tracks around thirty five minutes long.

I get a lot of feel good vibes from this record. With every listen, something new and different would connect me with these nine songs. As “My Blue Wife” kicks in with this infectious desert rock, the organic sound reminds me good nineties alternative rock and grunge. The opener is a straight up rocker! It displays the beautiful vocal combination of husband and wife duo, Dandy and Dawn Brown. The harmony layering is soothing and refreshing and it fits nicely with the music. On “Inexplicable Things”, Dawn sings the lead vocals and sounds amazing. She has a sensual and soulful voice that has a powerful tone. The whole song has a bouncy feel with a groove and chillness about it. The third track, “Could Have Been Forever” is excellent! Dandy takes on the vocals with a smooth and melodious tone. The bluesy guitar leads and amazing rhythm section is top level. These songs will certainly grow on you because they are so precise and interesting.

“Black Water” has a nice swaggered blues rock groove going on. Dandy’s voice is very cool. He sings with so much feel and emotion and he flow of these songs is engaging and mindful. The professional musicianship of these talented artists is remarkable. They have all been creating music separately for decades now and join together in this band to take over the world. This record is exceptional! Dawn returns with another dazzling performance on “My Blue Husband”. It’s another hard groove rocker with just the right amount of fuzz. “Aren’t We” was a single and it has a beautiful and simplistic alternative vibe to it.

“Burn And Heal” is a banger! It begins with that familiar desert rock essence, as the guitars lead the charge. Dawn’s voice and melody line is incredible. She really makes this track so dynamic and appealing with her vocal prowess. The gentle beats and guitar flow work together majestically. Nothing fancy here but it’s music created with deep emotional energy. The guitar leads are electrifying and powerful to accommodate the gliding rhythms. “These Lovely Things” has a strong Hermano/ Garcia feel with the vocal dualities. The lovely couple return to sing us another magnificent melody. I promise you with multiple listens, Lorquin’s Admiral will totally sink in. There is so much beauty and emotion in these nine tracks.

The final cut is called “To Temptation”. It’s a fantastic closer that displays everything great about this band, in one song. The grunge heavy groove of the music mixed with Dandy’s emotive voice, is a sonically powerful combination. This whole recording is masterful and elegantly crafted and executed. There is something very magical and cathartic about this music that really resonates with me at this moment in time. I feel connected to some of these songs and great music will do just that. Lorquin’s Admiral is top notch album and perfect for long summertime drives, filled with good feelings and great vibes.