8/10

Ocean Alley’s fifth studio outing 'Love Balloon' feels like the moment a band fully steps into its own. Across ten tracks, the Australian six-piece balance sun-drenched grooves with moments of quiet reflection, crafting a record that’s as expansive as it is intimate. From the first gentle strums of 'First Blush', there’s a sense of warm familiarity that quickly envelops us, yet beneath it lies the adventurous spirit of a band unafraid to explore.

The album’s palette is broad yet cohesive. 'Tangerine' radiates effortless charm with its mellow, almost tropical sway, while 'Thru Everything' and 'Left Of The Dealer' highlight the group’s rock roots, threading bluesy swagger and driving rhythm through each arrangement. At the centre, the playful title-track fuses Nile Rodgers-style funk with shimmering guitar riffs, showcasing a willingness to embrace fresh textures without losing the Ocean Alley identity.

Closing with 'Drenched', the album turns introspection into release. Baden Donegal’s vocals ripple with emotional nuance, while slide guitar and vintage synths imbue the track with a golden-hour glow. It’s a finale that feels both personal and universal, capturing the full spectrum of love and connection the record explores.

Throughout 'Love Balloon', spontaneity reigns. The band’s decision to work with Nick DiDia has resulted in a stripped-back, organic sound that allows each member’s personality to shine. Lach Galbraith’s keys shimmer with delicate grace, the guitars converse fluidly, and the rhythm section propels the songs with effortless precision. Inspirations from CCR, The Bee Gees, and GUM surface subtly, never overshadowing the Ocean Alley voice, but rather enhancing its depth.

Ultimately, 'Love Balloon' is a triumph of clarity and confidence. It captures a band at ease with its past, alive in its present, and unafraid of where creativity might take them next. Ocean Alley have delivered a record that celebrates connection, growth, and the simple, profound power of honest music, delivering an album that is as immediate as it is enduring.