The Palominos

The Palominos

The Palominos are a honky tonk group from San Diego, United States. They play classic west coast country with vocal harmonies, a steady backbeat and a twanging lead guitar, drawing on the sound of earlier honky tonk rather than a contemporary style.

Formation and line-up

The band forms in 2006 by brothers Thomas and James Zurek, with Thomas on guitar and James on bass. Their line-up also includes Kieran McAleer, and the group features Lance Hawkins on lead vocals and Craig Packham on drums.

Style and repertoire

The Palominos play a mix of obscure country classics and their own original songs. Their sound is built around close vocal harmonies, guitar twang and a driving rhythm section, with an emphasis on traditional honky tonk and classic west coast country influences.

Members and background

Thomas Zurek has previously played with the Grazers and the Barnyard Ballers and focuses on a twangy Telecaster sound. James Zurek also plays banjo and has spent years collecting vintage country records, which helps shape the band’s musical direction. Lance Hawkins grows up in Southern California and sings country throughout his life, while Craig Packham has played drums in several bands before joining the group.