OCEAN ALLEY w/ BIRD AND BYRON
@ HISTORY, TORONTO
JULY 29, 2025
Australia’s Ocean Alley made a triumphant return to Toronto, playing at the concert venue ‘History’. Having last appeared here in October 2023, the crowd was definitely ready to see their band, in advance of Ocean Alley’s new album drop in September.
The proceedings kicked off with an opening set from the Nashville-based Bird and Byron. This rock and soul duo (and band) played an energetic and engaging opener, drawing people in as the crowd gathered. Definitely, they are an act to watch.
Fans were well-primed for the headliner, as Ocean Alley took the stage. The heavy guitar riff of “Tangerine” began and the band locked in. With an excellent sound mix showcasing the musicians’ talents on this smooth groove, the audience was immediately into it. Next, launching into “Knees”, lead singer Baden Donegal’s voice was strong and declarative, made even stronger by his bandmates’ vocal support on choruses. The two-part guitar filigree, supplied by Angus Goodwin and Mitch Galbraith between verses, brought additional beauty. As the song came to its apex, the capacity crowd was fully engaged with the band, in a near-spiritual experience.
PURCHASE LOVE BALLOON
Impressive moments were many in this show. Vocalist Donegal set his guitar down on the song “Tombstone”, moving about with funky frontman swagger. The fresh and energetic soul-pop of the band’s latest single “Love Balloon” had everyone grooving. The soulful and bluesy “Partner in Crime” boasted soaring vocals, brilliant high harmonies, and a killer organ solo. Though often understated or somewhere in the mix, keys man Lach Galbraith provided the special sauce with many tasty solo spots, and is indeed integral to the band’s sound.
With their loose feel and their nod to 1970s sounds, Ocean Alley is true to their rock, reggae and psychedelic roots, and are incredibly tight. Despite these positive attributes, there is a certain sameness that creeps into the music, about halfway through the set, and what is dependable may also be a detriment. Some of the brightest moments in this show came from unexpected turns and varied sounds, like the electric piano and tasty guitar in “Left of the Dealer”, the organ solo and Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired guitar in “Simple Pleasures”, and Baden Donegal switching to acoustic guitar for the new song “Drenched”. They are simple elements, but they serve to add different colours and variety. A few more surprises might go a long way in their set.
In a bit of an odd move, the Ocean Alley played a cover of Player’s 1977 hit “Baby Come Back” late in this set. While this is a great song, and the band played a faithful rendition, its placement as the third-from-last song seemed to make the momentum lapse slightly.
The band ended quite strong with their 2018 song (and TikTok favourite) “Confidence”, and played their danceable feel-good hit “Touch Back Down” as an encore. It was a great show overall, and fans got what they came for. We will watch with interest, what direction they take on the new album in September, and will surely see them again soon.
Artist Links
Photo Credits: Kane Lehanneur
