The Balboas Announce 'The Pandemic Singles'

Photo by: Edward Colver

THE BALBOAS ANNOUNCE NEW LP 'THE PANDEMIC SINGLES' 

Featuring guest-contributions from East Bay Ray (Dead Kennedys), Paul Roessler (Screamers,45 Grave) and Dez Cadena (Black Flag, Misfits), the newest LP of The Balboas is coming out this April 16 via Burn N' Surf Records.

The Balboas, with over 25 years and thousands of miles on the touring circuit, have forged a sound of their own, earning a reputation as a blazing and bawdy live act characterized by a greasy American middle finger. Despite living in six different cities across the U.S., the band has managed to keep writing and performing their unique brand of rock for more than two decades.

In the midst of global chaos, one band has found solace, inspiration, and a creative outlet in the heart of the pandemic. The Balboas, a punk surf sensation spanning six different cities across the United States, are making waves with their upcoming release, 'The Pandemic Singles.' which will be released April 16th on Burn N’ Surf Records.

As Richard Griffith, one of the founding members, recalls, "When the pandemic hit, we were like most people - scared and anxious, just trying to figure out what this new world meant for us, and our families." However, instead of succumbing to despair, The Balboas embraced the challenge head-on, leveraging their individual home studios to collaborate remotely. Griffith explains, "We all have home studios, so I would write a song, and then we would share Dropbox links and pass it around until we had all the tracks."

What followed was a remarkable journey of musical collaboration, with industry icons like East Bay Ray (Dead Kennedys), Paul Roessler (Screamers, 45 Grave), Dez Cadena (Black Flag, Misfits), Rikk Agnew (Adolescents, Christian Death), and Mike Palm (Agent Orange) joining forces with The Balboas. Griffith expresses their excitement, "It was like heaven for us! We were creating music with people we idolized, and the songs were some of our best."

'The Pandemic Singles' is more than just an album; it's a testament to the band's resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Mark, another original member, conceived the idea of compiling their pandemic recordings into one cohesive record. "It has been so cool to see the record through the lens of the pandemic," Rich reflects. "Our brains were so messed up, but it ended up being a good influence for us. We grew closer, stronger, and more confident to step onto the punk surf stage and own our space."

The Balboas' journey is as remarkable as their sound. Rick, Mark, and Rich, all professors of psychology, formed the band after a chance encounter with surf legend Dick Dale. Joined by Caitie O'Shea and later Dusty Watson, a legend in the surf and punk communities, and Jimmy Dale, son of Dick Dale, The Balboas continue to push the boundaries of punk surf music.

Griffith declares, "Like most punks, nobody taught us how to play, how to tour, how to record. We just aren't afraid to try things and are great at learning." This fearless attitude permeates their music as The Balboas fearlessly navigate unexplored territory, staying true to their punk roots while carving out their unique sound.

With 'The Pandemic Singles,' The Balboas ride the wave of creativity through pandemic turbulence. As Griffith aptly puts it, "We hope you dig it!". ‘The Pandemic Singles’ LP is coming out April 16 via Burn N’ Surf Records. Pre-order 'The Pandemic Singles' on their bandcamp.