Karli IngersollBaLonely is a mash up of classic rock tradition and youthful attitude. The music is straightforward and familiarly predictable in a way that you kinda had been looking for it for a long time. But it’s thrilling and surprising at the same time. Ironically, the opening (and title) track of their new record Staples is about just that. The fact that we always want to go back to the music we know and love. And after one listen it becomes one of those tracks you’ve got to hear again with it’s repetitive loop and Norman’s almost freestyle feeling lyrics.
The rest of the album veers and covers a bunch of different vibes that remind me of Beach Boys, Weezer, Leonard Cohen and some newer contemporaries like Whitney, The Shins? But comparisons are kind of like tasting notes in wine…do they even matter? If it’s good, it’s good. And this album rules. It’s everything I loved about Stories, their last album but even tighter and catchier.
The production is clean, powerful and creative. Norman, the lead singer records and produces all BaLonely’s music. It seems on this new record he took a few new risks and you hear the influence of the two new band members who entered the band since their last album. The two extra guitars pan back and forth adding fullness and texture that wasn’t there before.
Fun fact, did you know the bass player, Kristin and Norman are related? How many mother / son bands have existed? Like for real, I want to know. Email me. I think it’s the coolest thing.
Pick up a cassette or stream this album on your favorite platform. Follow BaLonely on FB and Instagram and give them some love.
