17 September 2025
Newsdesk
Globally renowned rockers Ocean Alley have unveiled their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Love Balloon, out now via Community Music. The release arrives ahead of the band’s biggest-ever headline show at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace on September 27. The album is led by the new focus single, “Drenched,” a luminous track that showcases the six-piece's ability to turn vulnerability into something cathartic and universally resonant.
Across its 10 tracks, Love Balloon takes listeners on a journey through life and love in all its complexity. Recorded with legendary rock producer Nick DiDia (Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against The Machine), the album embraces a stripped-back, organic approach that prioritizes spontaneity. Keyboardist Lach Galbraith notes the album explores “the many layered dimensions of love,” from cinematic romance to the full spectrum of joy, hurt, and discomfort.
The album wears its diverse influences on its sleeve, drawing inspiration from the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Bee Gees, and GUM while maintaining Ocean Alley’s distinct flair. From the disarmingly simple four-chord progression of opener “First Blush” to the bluesy swagger of “Left Of The Dealer,” the record is a testament to the band’s creative evolution. The buoyant title track, “Love Balloon,” is an irresistible groove, while the closing track “Drenched” drifts in like golden hour, warmed by slide guitar and vintage synths.
The band has been on a massive international tour throughout 2025, with festival appearances at Boardmasters, Lollapalooza, and Sziget. With over 1 billion catalogue streams and numerous gold-certified singles, Ocean Alley continues to solidify their status as one of Australia's most beloved musical exports. Love Balloon is a triumphant record that celebrates joy, reckons with change, and reaffirms the band’s commitment to pushing their creative limits.
