Ocean Alley to release fifth album ‘Love Balloon’

Over the years, Ocean Alley have become one of Australia’s most celebrated musical exports and with their latest chapter they’re proving just how far their creative reach can extend. Across four albums, the six-piece outfit featuring Baden Donegal on vocals, guitarists Angus Goodwin and Mitch Galbraith, Lach Galbraith on keys and vocals, Tom O’Brien on drums and Nic Blom on bass have forged a sound that carries both a compelling identity and a endless ambition.

With nine singles certified Gold or higher, chart placements across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA and more than a billion streams to their name, Ocean Alley have been going from strength to strength on their unstoppable musical adventure. Their touring footprint in 2025 alone reflects that global standing; alongside two North American runs, the band have made their debut in South America and taken in festival appearances at Boardmasters, Lollapalooza, Sziget and Austin City Limits, with their largest ever headline show now just days away at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Even amid such success, their focus remains firmly on the music and tomorrow sees the release of their fifth studio album, Love Balloon, an independent outing released through Community Music. The record follows June’s unveiling of its title track, a buoyant single that captures the group at their most playful. Built on a laid back groove of snapping beats and pulsing bass, Baden’s soulful vocals glide above to serve up an infectious indie pop jam cut with mellow rock vibes and funky rhythms.

Across the ten tracks on Love Balloon, the band digs into life and love in all their nuanced facets. Written during a period of personal milestones for each member, the record reflects both reflection and joy, distilling a context of openness fostered by producer Nick DiDia, who’s known for his work with Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against The Machine and Powderfinger.

Keyboardist and vocalist Lach Galbraith describes the project as an exploration of love in all its forms, from heady infatuation to disappointment, joy and discomfort, “the river of love” as he calls it, unpredictable and ever-changing in meandering direction.

That theme flows through the album’s highlights, with opener “First Blush” casting a dreamy scene of delicate arrangement capped by alluring vocal performance carrying heartfelt lyricism via elegant melodies. Previously released single “Tangerine” brings a smokey rock aesthetic propelled by the pattering shuffle of drums and transportive, bluesy vibes.

“Ain’t No Use” perfectly captures the band’s shimmering sound with dazzling vocal layers rolling over subtly anthemic instrumental energy to deliver an invigorating and truly timeless outing. Other highlights like “Thru Everything” land with driving energy, with the uptempo punch of drums and contrast of dreamy key flickers forming a stunning display of the band’s catchy songwriting and incredible performance panache. “Down The Line” leans back into the band’s hazy rock stylings, tinged with echoes of country that wrap around Baden’s commanding vocal leads.

“Drenched” closes the record with Americana-inflected warmth, stitching slide guitar, vintage synths and Baden’s hypnotic vocals into a reflective but hopeful finale that’s sure to leave a lasting impression of the record. With Love Ballon arriving tomorrow, available for pre-save here, the band is set to bring the album to life on stage on September 27th at London’s Alexandra Palace with tickets available here.