A "Portal" into the past or future?

By: Johnny Decker

2024.10.01 - Balu Brigada - United Center - Chicago, IL/ Alex Valentovich- Cannon EOS 6D Mark II EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Two brothers from New Zealand take you on a journey into a portal. Extended synths, syncopated guitars, and trance-like instrumentals which create a feeling of being dragged through a wormhole. Balu Brigada is the name this duo goes by. They had two extended plays before releasing their debut album titled "Portal" released on August 29, 2025. There have been six singles released from to promote the album in which their first one "So Cold" peaked at number one on U.S. Alternative Airplay. The third single titled "Backseat" reached to number 19 on the same chart.

Henry Beasley plays the guitar and is the lead singer, His older brother Charles is the drummer. They opened for Twenty-One Pilots in 2024-2025. Balu Brigada also headlined their own tour called "Can't Be Your Dog" in February-March of 2025. They are beginning their next tour starting in October and ending in November.

"4:25" which is the ninth track of the album has an atmospheric bass and emotional vocals throughout the whole song. It sounds like something from the past yet there are futuristic reverberations. The lyrics pertain to moving past a romantic relationship and experiencing hardships tied to it. However, the independence which comes along with the end of a relationship as well with lyrics such as "The less that I love the better off I am."

The third track worth a listen is "What Do We Ever Really Know?" due to its nostalgic sound and angst coinciding with it. The song is similar to artists and bands such as Dayglow, Wallows, and The Black Keys. They brought out the alternative/indie sound which was fairly popular in the late 2010s and 2020. The interpretation for listeners could be the uncertainty of life with the events which come with it. Or the ignorance of when you are younger thinking you know everything about the world outside of yourself.

The final track standing out is "Butterfly Boy" because of the synthesizers and the low-pitched notes taking you along the breeze of the song. It is the type of song to listen to with the windows down when alone in the car. Day or night. When the chorus hits there is a zephyr, you feel in the instrumentals. Imagine riding a bike down a hill where you just ride freely with the momentum. A great conclusion to the album "Portal" and ending with a soft acoustic guitar after a wild ride.

If you are into alternative-rock, pop, or psychedelic music this is the body of work to listen to. The album cover itself is a half-open door with a walkway and a red background. This foreshadows the psychedelic cruise you are about to take. The contrast of the past and futuristic elements makes this album worth a listen.

Tracklist:

1.) The Portal

2.) So Cold

3.) Golden Gate Girl

4.) Sideways

5.) Birthday Interlude

6.) Backseat

7.) Politix

8.) The Question

9.) 4:25

10.) Isolation

11.) What Do We Ever Really Know?

12.) Butterfly Boy