The Black Pacific
Here Comes Our Wave
Dine Alone Records [2024]
“A powerful wave of punk energy and poignant reflection—Here Comes Our Wave surges with urgency and heart.”
Album Overview: The Black Pacific is a side project formed by Jim Lindberg, the lead singer and songwriter for Pennywise. After years of writing for Pennywise and other projects, Lindberg launched The Black Pacific to give voice to material that didn’t fit Pennywise’s style. Their self-titled debut was released in 2010 through SideOneDummy Records, featuring Lindberg’s long-time friend and drummer Alan Vega. Their latest album Here Comes Our Wave, recorded at Buzzbomb Studios with Paul Miner, marks the band’s return after a long gap, tapping into Lindberg’s backlog of personal songwriting. Here Comes Our Wave addresses pressing social and personal topics through a mix of high-energy punk songs and more reflective tracks. As you might expect, the album touches on themes of societal unrest, personal frustration, and hope for renewal. This collection of 11 songs includes both outward-looking social commentary and inward musings on relationships and life, building on Lindberg’s decades of experience as a songwriter. While undeniably carrying Lindberg’s signature straightforward no nonsense pop punk style, the album’s variety still easily distinguishes it from his work with Pennywise.
Musical Style: The album retains the fast-paced punk rock energy that has been synonymous with Jim Lindberg’s music for years. Aggressive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and high-tempo beats define much of the album. Yet, there’s a balance between the intensity of the punk ethos and more melodic moments that highlight Lindberg’s songwriting versatility, particularly on tracks about personal reflection and love.
Evolution of Sound: Compared to their 2010 debut, Here Comes Our Wave incorporates more diverse lyrical themes and a broader range of emotional depth. While maintaining the band’s punk roots, there’s a progression in Lindberg’s lyrical expression as he focuses on both global issues and intimate relationships. The album’s sound remains true to Lindberg’s core influences but demonstrates growth in the way it tackles heavier, more nuanced subject matter. The bottom line is that Here Comes Our Wave is a solid punk record!
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Bad Religion, Rise Against, Green Day and Anti-Flag will of course find similarities in The Black Pacific’s sound on Here Comes Our Wave. The blend of political commentary, fast-paced punk, and occasional melodic turns aligns with these acts’ approaches to blending social concerns with punk energy.
Pivotal Tracks: The first track “I Think I’m Paranoid” stands out with its direct lyrics addressing violence and societal chaos. Other key tracks include “No Fun,” which critiques dictators and global instability, and “Here We Come,” exploring concerns about artificial intelligence. “Float Away” shifts to a more personal perspective, while the title track, “Here Comes Our Wave,” closes the album with a meditation on escape through nature and connection.
Lyrical Strength: Jim Lindberg’s writing in Here Comes Our Wave oscillates between social critiques and personal reflections. His lyrics tap into contemporary anxieties about violence, division, and technology, while also offering moments of personal connection and hope. This blend of themes gives the album depth, making it both timely and resonant on a personal level.
THE BLACK PACIFIC REVIEW HISTORY
The Black Pacific (2010)
THE BLACK PACIFIC LINKS
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