Article Contributed by Press Junkie PR
Published on 2026-09-22
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-based quartet The Harms will release its sophomore album, Walking the Beast, on November 6, 2026, via Lone Twin Publishing. Introducing the record is the lead single, “Lion Tamer,” a dark, forceful examination of power and control that is available now on all streaming platforms.
On the new single, “Lion Tamer,” The Harms turn inward, examining the bargain between adaptation, self-expression and self-erasure.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Chase Frank points out, “Women are engaged in a constant battle of wills. We are often asked to become what circumstances demand, continually negotiating the boundaries between inner power and influences others have. Are we taming our internal lions or are we becoming lion tamers?”
Founded by Chase Frank at the suggestion of the late Ikey Owens of Jack White and The Mars Volta, The Harms fuse psychedelic rock with ’60s and ’70s soul, garage and surf. Hailed for an eclectic sound, City Weekly described the band’s music as “post-punk-paced surf-pop.” The group continues to defy genre, gender and expectations.
Frank, along with bassist Rachel Allred, drummer Simon Hilsman and Omar Madrigal on keys, makes up the core of the group, with featured guests appearing throughout the new album. Walking the Beast is the band’s second studio album and fifth record.
Walking the Beast is composed of 10 infectious songs that move between heaviness and heat. Bringing an instinct for an indelible hook, songwriters Chase Frank and Rachel Allred have been ruminating on the new songs since 2020.
Built around the idea that everyone carries a feral force—a beast of their own—within, Walking the Beast explores timely themes of control and awareness through the lens of guitar-driven psych-rock.
Frank reflects, “Walking the Beast is about that feral impulse that we all have within, the one that, left unchecked, can turn unpredictable.”
Producer Beto Martinez remembers how the project started: “Chase initially brought me some super rough recordings from a rehearsal and asked me if I’d be interested in producing; my first inclination was that this would be way too much work and maybe they weren’t ready.”
He continues, “What drew me in was the power of Chase’s voice and the potential energy in the song ‘Lion Tamer,’ specifically. I knew there was something there.”
Chase and Beto agreed to meet again a few months later with more fully developed songs. What Chase returned with was solid.
“What I saw and heard over those months was hard work, creativity and vision honed into a powerful, kick-ass sound that was without a doubt ready to put on record,” Martinez continues. “I was impressed by Chase and the band’s willingness to put in the effort and to work with me as producer. It’s a big album and a big sound, and I think everyone’s strengths were utilized appropriately. I’m proud of the work and excited for this music to be out in the world. It’s rock, it’s psychedelic, it’s groovy, it’s a trip, really—lyrically and stylistically.”
Walking the Beast was written and arranged by Chase Frank, with additional creative direction by Joseph Woullard, and produced, recorded and mixed by Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Beto Martinez at Lechehouse Music.
The Harms are Chase Frank on lead vocals, backing vocals and guitar; Rachel Allred on bass and backing vocals; Simon Hilsman on drums; and Omar Madrigal on organ.
The new album features Austin musicians Beto Martinez of Grupo Fantasma and Money Chicha, John Speice of Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma and Money Chicha, Peter Stopschinski of Money Chicha, and Joseph Woullard of Hard Proof, Cazayou and Black Joe Lewis. Los Angeles R&B vocalists Malik the FrēQ and Jimmy Gimelli also appear on the record.
The album was funded in part by the 2024 Austin Live Music Fund.
“Lion Tamer” will be followed by new singles rolling out every month, with a vinyl release anticipated in early 2027. The Harms will perform the new music during their monthly party, Psych Night with The Harms and Special Guests, taking place on the first Thursday of every month at Sahara Lounge in Austin.
The band will also celebrate the album with a record release party featuring Austin’s Money Chicha on November 5.
Walking the Beast arrives November 6 via Lone Twin Publishing. “Lion Tamer” is available now on all digital streaming platforms.
1. “She’s a Witch”
2. “A Running Feeling”
3. “Fatherless Maximus”
4. “Homesick Flight”
5. “Talking to Yourself”
6. “Walking the Beast”
7. “Lion Tamer”
8. “Tornado Row”
9. “Earth to Man”
10. “Snake Belly Moan”
Psych Night with The Harms and Special Guests
The first Thursday of every month
Sahara Lounge
Austin, Texas
Walking the Beast Record Release Party
The Harms with Money Chicha
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Connect with The Harms:
Instagram |
YouTube |
Bandcamp |
Official Website
