Ballyhoo! – Pineapple Grenade
Track Listing:
1.) She Wants to Destroy Me
2.) Battle Cry
3.) Take It Easy
4.) No Good (prod. by Rome Ramirez)
5.) Run
6.) Things We Don’t Mean
7.) Instigator
8.) Beautiful Day
9.) When They Told Me
10.) Lost at Sea
11.) Outta My Mind
12.) A Lesson in Gravity
13.) Wasting Away
14.) Morning Sunlight
15.) Love Letters (iTunes bonus track)
16.) Tell My Son (iTunes bonus track)
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: June 25th, 2013
Record Label: Right Coast Records
Website: Ballyhoo!’s Website
Group Background:
With over 15 years in the making, Ballyhoo! has made a name for themselves nationwide and have dominated the east coast reggae/rock scene. Pineapple Grenade will mark the bands 5th studio album accompanied by a 40+ concert tour spanning 2 countries and 27 states, where they will co-headline with Authority Zero. They have shared the stage with the likes of 311, Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, The Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, and have recently performed at the 2013 Cali-Roots Festival. With a mix of a punk, alternative, reggae pop sounds Pineapple Grenade showcases examples of this bands up-beat fun sound.
Album Review:
I gave Pineapple Grenade a few rotations and reminiscence occurred that I was listening to something out of the 90’s punk scene. With a blend of mainly punk, alternative and a little reggae & Howi Spangler’s up-beat vocals, this album is entertaining. Even though it’s not unbelievably amazing, Ballyhoo! still puts up a good show with 16 solid songs.
Pineapple Grenade blasts punk/alternative anthems including “Battle Cry”, “She Wants to Destroy Me”, “Run”, and “Out of My Mind”. At times the album continues like a roller coaster with emotional tracks such as “Things We Don’t Mean” and “Lesson in Gravity.” The album continues boasting songs about the struggles of love including “Love Letters” and “Lost at Sea”. Ballyhoo! blesses fans with a lengthy album, and shows their ability to cross and mix content and character throughout.
“No Good” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Produced by Rome Ramirez, this track has a little electronic thing going on with a dub effect on top. Lyrically, this song speaks of tough love growing up, and how a first love can break your heart. Originally, the song was titled “I Don’t Wanna See Your Face” and was later changed to “No Good”, once the group met with Rome on Production.
Pineapple Grenade is a nice, long listen and there isn’t a bad track on the whole thing. Howi, D, JR, and Scott put together a solid performance and there are a few tracks that left a lasting impression. Even though the whole album won’t be on repeat, I think songs like “Run”, “Beautiful Day” and “Battle Cry” will make up some future playlists. While I enjoyed a few spins, Pineapple Grenade plays more like summer soundtrack and falls a little short of those classic 90s albums.
Written & Reviewed By: Andrew McClatchy
[Editor’s Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer, expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, not the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]
