Get ready to surf the punk waves with The Balboas as they drop their latest vinyl delight, The Pandemic Singles, this April 16th via Burn N’ Surf Records. Born out of the isolation and uncertainty of the global pandemic, this album is a raucous testament to the resilience and ingenuity of one of punk’s most distinctive bands.
Pandemic Born, Punk Bred
When COVID-19 swept the world, it sent shockwaves through communities, including bands and musicians. The Balboas, however, turned this adversity into a creative outlet. Richard Griffith, one of the founding members, shares, “We were scattered and isolated, like everyone else. But we’ve got our home studios, and that’s how we stayed connected. I’d lay down a track, shoot it over via Dropbox, and then it would come back with a whole new life.” This digital passing of the musical baton not only kept the band connected but also led to some of their most ambitious work to date.
Star-Studded Collaborations
The Pandemic Singles boasts an impressive roster of punk royalty. From East Bay Ray of Dead Kennedys to Dez Cadena from Black Flag and Misfits, these tracks are peppered with punk icons, turning the album into a who’s who of the genre. “Working with heroes like East Bay Ray was just surreal,” Griffith remarks. “Each track that came back was like unwrapping a present. It was a thrilling way to make an album.”
A Soundtrack to Surf the Chaos
From the fiery riffs of “Dead in One Hour” featuring East Bay Ray to the haunting melodies of “Angel Lust” with Kitten Kuroi, each track encapsulates a facet of the pandemic’s emotional spectrum. The album kicks off with “Insanity Pepper,” where Paul Roessler and Mike Palm inject a frenetic energy that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
More Than Just Music
The Balboas are known for their fierce independence and commitment to their art. Their sound—a gritty blend of punk-infused with surf rock—has captivated audiences for over 25 years, earning them a spot on stages alongside punk legends and surf rock masters alike. As Griffith puts it, “Our sound might be soaked in reverb and rebellion, but at its core, it’s about bringing people together, even when the world seems to be falling apart.”
Catch Them Live and Online
With members spread across six different cities, The Balboas have managed to not only survive but thrive by continually adapting and evolving their sound. As they gear up for the release of The Pandemic Singles, fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mark your calendars for April 16th, when The Pandemic Singles hits the shelves. It’s not just an album; it’s a historical artefact of punk resilience and creativity during one of the most challenging times in recent history. Grab your copy and let The Balboas take you on a wild ride through the chaos and back.
Tracklist:
1. Insanity Pepper (ft. Paul Roessler & Mike Palm)
2. Dead in One Hour (ft. East Bay Ray)
3. Bad Penny
4. Karrot Water Mind Kontrol
5. Never Stay Dead (ft. Dez Cadena)
6. Forbidden Zone
7. Agent from WRONSKI(ft. Dave Wronski)
8. Impaler
9. Penetration(ft. Jimmy Dale)
10. Angel Lust(ft. Kitten Kuroi)
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