The Balconies - The Balconies

1. Lulu

2. 300 Pages

3. Smells Like Secrets

4. The Slo

5. Elephant Lamp

6. Ghost Fever

7. Hollow Bones

8. Battle Royal

9. Skinny Dipper

10. Serious Bedtime

11. Rest Up

The Balconies have released their debut album, this happens to be self-titled. They have a very classic rock/indie nostalgia sound, with a female singer. They have a similar sound to that of a Heart and Metric, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done a good job here.

When looking at the recording quality of the album, this album has a bit of a grungy, rough sound to it. The vocals seem buried too much at times, so it's hard to hear. One thing is, the rough sound is bands of this style are going for, so it fits in with the type of target audience. The instrumentation on this album is nothing crazy. This band can certainly play, and being that it's only three members is pretty solid, but you aren't going to wow or turn your head from the playing. There are points, and they have a really good solid playing.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are traded off between two members, having both male and female vocals all over the album. With the girl, you can tell she can certainly sing. She hits really high notes and has a pretty unique voice. The vocals will be the part you really focus and turn your head on. The guys vocals are not bad, he can sing, but they don't stand out like hers does. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, and more. The way they do it in stories is  quite different, and we like that its not just right in your face. They have done a good job, and we think people will connect with the lyrics. Not bad. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there really isn't one, but we like "300 pages" and "The Slo". So give those songs your attention, and it will really shows you what this album is about. 

The Balconies have made a debut album that is full of big sounding songs, with over the top vocals. They have done a really good job on this album, and it will certainly get people to get into them. This gives them something to get out and play shows, while showing off what they are about. We can't wait to see whats next for this band, and we think you will like it. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Rock/Classic Rock/Indie

Release Date: 2009

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Website: http://www.thebalconies.ca/

Label: None