The Killer Balloons
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., United States | SELF
Music
Press
This local band was excellent live when I saw them so I was looking forward to their first release. It is a rocking affair with a nice mix of garage, classic rock, metal, and maybe a touch of glam rock. The guitars rock hard throughout with a solid rhythm section and a soaring lead voice on top of it all. I guess that means the production is good as it captures all the component parts in balance. There are even some keyboards in the mix, but they don't overwhelm. A smart, crisp sound throughout I would say. Vocals are strong, sounding a bit like an unholy alliance of Feargal Sharkey of the Undertones and David Coverdale (Whitesnake/Deep Purple), but not as annoying as the latter. The songs are all likable with plenty of catchy moves and solid hooks. If you like to rock out and have a good time, you owe it to yourself to see this band some time. And if you end up liking them anywhere near as much as I did and do, be sure to grab this on your way out as it lives up to their live show.
Songs to try:
We Are - The nice blend of garage rock and classic rock with soaring vocals makes for a great opener.
Wildebeest - Interesting heavy rocker with a cool snake charmer solo among the nice twists.
Icarus - A nice heavy song with a classic progressive mix. Some creative ideas here that keeps the album humming along nicely. - David Hintz
I have seen this band once before and reviewed their debut album. They have a great accessible sound that combines classic rock with garage moves and strong vocals pushing forward solid pop melodies. They have added a keyboardist who plays some organ and piano. Without looking at previous reviews, I am willing to be I mentioned the singer reminding me of a lower pitched Feargal Sharkey (Undertones). That catchy kind of singing came through loud and clear in spite of the nice racket cooked up by the four guys behind him. These guys can play and can come up with the songs as they played numerous cuts from the album, at least three new originals and a cover of the Who's "Baba O'Riley". That was fun until I looked around and suddenly felt like this high school anthem of mine was written back when very few of the people in this room were even alive. But thoughts of confused timelines and aging quickly passed and I enjoyed the rest of their set. They appear to be working hard and hopefully will continue to add to their fan base, as their music should appeal to a whole lot of people out there. - DC Rock Live
It is a night of four area rock bands, each shooting off in their own direction. We start with a local four-piece with one guitar and a vocalist. The singer immediately shows off his great pipes as he hits and holds notes with a lot of power, sort of Rob Halford an octave or two lower. The name reminds me of a harder update of the old Nuggets band, the Balloon Farm and as they play, that seems pretty accurate. They start with great garage rock but have a heavier modern touch as well. It is kind of like if Kyuss had not morphed into Queens of the Stone Age, but headed more in the direction of the Flamin' Groovies. They achieve all the bonus points I can give them for combining classic sounds in a modern framework. It is hard to do and they were a complete success. Hopefully they will keep getting the shows around here and show people what they can do. - DC Rock Live
Discography
The Killer Balloons (2010)
Photos
Bio
The Killer Balloons formed in Washington DC in March 2008 after finding each other through a combination of their work in previous bands and Craigslist casual encounters. The band formed with the goal of combining every song every band member had ever heard into a cohesive sound. The result is what the band describes as a post-punk/pre-progressive sound
Since their formation, they have successfully initiated their quest for aural satisfaction through a steady diet of live shows, recording, and songwriting. Never ones to sit back in complacency, the band also strives to make each show unique and different, be it through the rearrangement of parts of songs, dropping a mandolin into a rock show, or bringing on special guest musicians. Each show also provides a glimpse into the soul of each band member as they pour every ounce of energy and emotion into each note played. Critics have begun to take notice and laud The Killer Balloons with praise. “They start with great garage rock but have a heavier touch as well… They achieve all the bonus points I can give them for combining classic sounds in a modern framework” (www.dcrocklive.blogspot.com). The band has cut their teeth playing local DC venues such as the Rock and Roll Hotel, DC9, the Red and the Black, Wonderland Ballroom, Chief Ike's and the unprecedented step of playing an Azalea Festival, Strawberry Festival, and Oktoberfest in the same year.
In the fall of 2010, they completed their first full length album. As word spread of the band’s dynamic live show, CDs became increasingly in demand. Fans on itunes have commented that "each song brings back memories and emotions on love, personal discovery, sacrifice and senseless tragedy." Stayed tuned and be on the ready for an attack of The Killer Balloons!
Links
