Jim Lindberg, lead singer and guitarist of California punk legends Pennywise, has reformed his side project, The Black Pacific, for a new album – their first in fourteen years. Titled Here Comes Our Wave, it was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Paul Miner (Death By Stereo, H20) at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA in 2023. Released via Dine Alone Records, it finds on Lindberg and drummer Alan Vega on fiery form, kicking out 11 jams in record time.
The album opens with the super-chunky I Think I’m Paranoid, a two-and-a-half minute punk scree that captures the creeping paranoia that has come to represent much of the post-9/11 world. As with Pennywise, Jim’s skill is to take the most serious of subjects and craft something that is both cathartic and viscerally exciting meaning that you can simply rock out to a great tune or dig a little deeper and explore the lyrical themes at the same time. Next up, the stabbing Superhero has a whale-sized melodic hook that lands on you with full force, as Jim layers vocal harmonies against a stabbing guitar riff. The brilliant No Fun, with its quiet/loud dynamic and astringent guitars, comes next and it’s something of an album highlight with its tougher edge and addictive chorus. Paul even throws in a few neat production tricks, without detracting from the otherwise organic sound of the album, adding a touch of extra depth. Then there’s the steely Won’t Make A Sound, which tempers the So-Cal sun of the vocal harmonies with a killer riff, before Jim marches over the hill with the fierce Here We Come standing out as a declaration of intent. With the lyric boasting a sting in the tail, it rounds out the first half of the album as Jim snarls “we’re going to be dancing on your graves…”
Opening up the second half, a squall of feedback gives way to the palm-muted pop-punk of Best Day Ever, which, back in the era of MTV actually playing music, would have landed as a killer single. The pace picks up with When Paper Burns, which is one of the album’s heaviest tracks, partly reminiscent of Hot Water Music’s crunchy tunes. Another album highlight, the dynamic Float Away harks back to the 90s, with a grungy vibe reminiscent of the awesome Kerbdog amidst the scratchy guitars. Jim’s wah pedal takes some serious abuse as the pounding drums of It’s Gone bear down on the listener with all the subtlety of a speeding freight train, although the song’s closest relative is, strangely, Foo Fighters’ Break Down, stop/start riff leading to the chorus included. It’s a decent enough song, but the similarities throw you off. Fortunately, the emotionally charged Won’t Let You Down is waiting in the wings, the sentiment of which belies its sun-kissed vocals. The album concludes with the hedonistic surf-punk of Here Comes Our Wave, one last electrifying blast, bringing the album to a powerful and memorable close.
While it’s fair to say that this album is a no-brainer for fans of Pennywise, Here Comes Our Wave is more than a simple side project. With the album serving up a diverse collection of tracks that easily stand on their own, it runs the gamut of Jim’s influences, from breezier So-Cal punk, honeyed harmonies included, to more metallic fare. With articulate lyrics and great production, this is a cracking, energetic album that is more than worth your time. 8.5/10
Grab your copy from Dine Alone Records now.
