Kyuss fans, beware! Some years ago John Garcia joined bassplayer and producer Steve ‘Dandy’ Brown in a project that has led to a full album recorded under the name Hermano. Due to Garcia’s other band Unida’s contract with American Recordings the album hasn’t been released yet. It will be on the 9th of July. Two of the songs from that album are featured on this promo together with two tracks by Brown’s other project Orquesta del Desierto.

The two Hermano songs are a perfect mix between Kyuss and Unida. Great Riffs, a smooth groove and, of course, great vocals. Drummer Steve Earl (ex-Afghan Whigs) is a lot more subtile than any other drummer Garcia has worked with. That gives it a different feel. But I must say it really sounds like Garcia’s other bands.

So, all you desert rockers out there: there’s one hell of an album coming up!

Orquesta del Desierto is not just another desert rock band. The band features members of Queens Of The Stone Age, Goatsnake and Kyuss but it’s mostly acoustic. The use of a Mexican horn section gives it an exotic feel. Let’s say a cross between QOTSA, Calexico and, dare I say it… Herb Albert and Tijuana Brass? Pete Stahl’s voice fits well with the acoustic guitars and relaxed drums and the rest of the instruments (horns, organ and percussion) make it pretty diverse. It’s just two songs but boy, does it taste like more…

If both albums are as good as these four songs suggest I think it’ll be a full score each.