Love Balloon

Love Balloon
Studio album by Ocean Alley
Released	19 September 2025 (2025-09-19)
Length	41:25
Producer	Nick DiDia
Ocean Alley chronology
Low Altitude Living (2022) Love Balloon (2025)
Singles from Love Balloon
"Tangerine" Released: 11 October 2025 [1] "Left of the Dealer" Released: 14 February 2025 [2] "Love Balloon" Released: 6 June 2025 [3]

Love Balloon is the fifth studio album by Australian band Ocean Alley. The album was announced in June 2025 alongside its title track, ^[3] and released on September 19, 2025.

Background and recording

In October 2024, Ocean Alley released a new single, 'Tangerine', ^[4] the first new music since their 2022 album Low Altitude Living . According to lead singer Baden Donegal, the track was inspired by a drive across the Nullarbor, and the "desert and sunsets on that commute, the sky turning orange, or tangerine." ^[5]

With the album not yet being announced, the band returned with another track from the album in February 2025, 'Left of The Dealer', which the band described as an ode to Creedence Clearwater Revival and Canned Heat. ^[6]

On 4 June 2025, the band announced Love Balloon as their fifth studio album, on the same day releasing the album's lead single and namesake track.

Recorded with Nick DiDia, whose productions credits include albums from Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine and Powderfinger, Love Balloon hears the band explore new musical territory. Lyrically, the album dives into themes of love, and according to keyboardist and vocalist Lach Galbraith: "Not just the cinematic kind where you're falling head over heels, the full spectrum; joy, hurt, discomfort and disappointment. Let's call it the river of love – whether it's with a partner, a friend, or family, you'll never know when it'll get deep, go shallow, or suddenly change course."

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Baden Donegal; all music is composed by Nic Blom, Baden Donegal, Mitchell Galbraith, Lachlan Galbraith, Angus Goodwin, and Tom O'Brien.

Love Balloon track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"First Blush"	5:10
2.	"Tangerine"	4:50
3.	"Ain't No Use"	3:09
4.	"Sweet Boy"	3:52
5.	"Love Balloon"	4:01
6.	"Thru Everything"	4:40
7.	"Left of the Dealer"	4:14
8.	"Down the Line"	3:15
9.	"Life in Love"	4:02
10.	"Drenched"	4:12
Total length:		41:25

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. ^[7]

Ocean Alley

• Nic Blom – bass guitar
• Baden Donegal – vocals, guitars (tracks 1, 3–10)
• Lach Galbraith – keyboards, piano, background vocals
• Mitch Galbraith – rhythm guitar
• Angus Goodwin – guitars
• Tom O'Brien – drums

Additional contributors

• Nick DiDia – production, mixing, engineering
• Leon Zervos – mastering
• Declan Kelly – percussion (1–6)
• Ashleigh Mannix – background vocals (3)
• Bek Jensen – background vocals (4)
• Juanita Tippens – background vocals (4)
• Xanthe Longley-Bain – background vocals (4)

References

1. "Ocean Alley's First New Music Since 2022 Is Here". Rolling Stone Australia . 11 October 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
2. "Ocean Alley Drop Trippy, '60s-Inspired Video for "Left of the Dealer"". 14 February 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
3. Courtney Fry (4 June 2025). "Ocean Alley return with their fifth album, Love Balloon". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
4. sarahdowns.nz (10 October 2024). "Ocean Alley Drop First New Single in Two Years 'Tangerine'". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
5. "Ocean Alley Release Comeback Single 'Tangerine'". Rolling Stone Australia. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
6. "Ocean Alley Return with Rocking New Single 'Left of the Dealer'". The Note - Your Guide to Music, Culture and Gigs in Adelaide. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
7. "Love Balloon / Ocean Alley / Credits". Tidal . Retrieved 17 September 2025.