Palomino Blond is an independent rock band that embodies both the essence and the counterculture of their hometown, Miami. The trio, consisting of Carli Acosta (guitar/lead vocals - they/them), Emma Arevalo (drums/vocals - she/they), and Peter Allen (guitar - he/him), is set to release their sophomore album, You Feel It Too, on October 4, 2024, through Kanine Records, known for its roster including Surfer Blood and Blushing. This forthcoming album showcases a vibrant collection of music that draws inspiration from the alternative rock of the '90s while also incorporating the more subtle sounds of their environment.
With a strong DIY spirit and an affinity for prominent guitar work, Palomino Blond has transitioned from local house-show favorites to recognized figures within the regional music scene. Their sound merges elements of grunge, shoegaze, and dream pop, reflecting a diverse array of influences. While they pay homage to the ‘90s, their music offers a fresh perspective, positioning them among a new generation that revitalizes the alternative rock genre for the 21st century. Lio Kanine of Kanine Records noted their distinctive approach, commenting, “There are small hints of shoegaze and tenderness, but their guitars are strongly connected to ‘90s alt-rock. That sound seems to have been lost—many bands trying to bring it back simply aren't doing it well, but Palomino Blond have nailed that sound.”
The current lineup of Palomino Blond formed in 2020 during the pandemic, when the trio began jamming together and discovered a strong musical chemistry. All three members hail from Miami, with Carli and Emma being cousins, while Peter had been actively involved in music long before their collaboration. Growing up in an environment rich with influences from Latin hip-hop musicians and visual artists, music was a constant presence in their lives.
Peter's musical journey began in the hardcore scene, whereas Carli initially gravitated towards the vibrant electronic and dance music community. As Acosta explains, “I started going out dancing a lot. At first, I was going to clubs, but I hated the culture. Then I started going to raves and meeting a lot of like-minded people who played rock music too.” Immersed in the South Florida DIY scene, Carli found it to be a more inviting space, attributing this to the challenge of touring from Florida: “It’s over an 8-hour drive before even getting out of the state, so it often gets skipped by a lot of national touring bands, so the South Florida rock fans are hungry and open to new things.”
From this underground scene, Palomino Blond emerged, and You Feel It Too represents a significant milestone in their artistic development. Despite some personnel changes, this album solidifies the trio's most cohesive lineup to date. Carli reflects, “With this album, sonically we wanted to make the heavy songs heavier and the quiet songs quieter and more atmospheric. Lyrically, it covers a lot of ground: dysfunctional relationships, loss, anger, regret, spacing out, depression, isolation, feeling your ego fall apart and being on a horrendous acid trip in Times Square.”
You Feel It Too stands as the band's most comprehensive work to date, featuring a blend of intense emotions woven through a dynamic interplay of heaviness and ethereality. The album incorporates influences from Miami’s bass music and electronic scenes, evident in tracks such as “It Kills Me,” “Machine,” “Automatic,” and “Plain View,” which include synths and electronic drum samples.
Produced by Palomino Blond and engineered by Ryan Haft (Jacuzzi Boys, Wrong, Torche) and Jonathan Nuñez (of Torche), with mastering by Dan Coutant (A Giant Dog, Jawbox, Fiddlehead), You Feel It Too offers a profound exploration of sound, inviting listeners into a rich auditory experience that balances both uplifting and crushing elements.
