Jim Lindberg, the lead singer of Pennywise, is set to release a new album with his side project, The Black Pacific. Titled HERE COMES OUR WAVE, this will be the band's first album in nearly 14 years, releasing on September 20th via Dine Alone Records.
The album features 11 tracks, all written and performed by Lindberg, with drummer Alan Vega, his longtime friend and collaborator. The album was recorded at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA, with producer Paul Miner, who has worked with bands like Touché Amoré and Death By Stereo.
The first single, “I Think I’m Paranoid,” captures Lindberg’s feelings of anxiety in a world filled with violence, government conspiracies, and growing fears. The song has been updated to include the threat of hate groups, militias, and global pandemics. Lindberg describes it as “a panic attack with distorted guitars.”
The album continues with themes of fear and frustration. Tracks like “No Fun” address the chaos inflicted by dictators, while “Here We Come” warns of the dangers of artificial intelligence. The lyrics are timely, reflecting the anxiety and uncertainty that many people feel today. Lindberg explains that these songs are a way for him to express his frustration with humanity’s self-destructive tendencies.
Despite the heavy themes, there are moments of hope and escape. In “Float Away,” Lindberg dreams of building a raft to escape with his wife to a distant place, while “I Won’t Let You Down” reflects on enduring love and resilience. The title track, “Here Comes Our Wave,” serves as a love song to the ocean, where Lindberg finds peace amidst the chaos.
HERE COMES OUR WAVE is a powerful album that captures the fear, frustration, and hope that define our times. With his distinctive voice and songwriting, Lindberg offers a thoughtful reflection on the challenges we face today. The 90s punk scene was a raw, defiant force, and Pennywise stood at its heart, embodying the resilience and spirit of the era. Lindberg’s new work with The Black Pacific carries that same intensity, but it feels more reflective, channeling the fears and anxieties of today’s world with a matured edge.