The Brotherhood of Balto

Located off El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, Soda Bar is an intimate, yet humbling establishment. When first entering, visitors can see booths lining the left-hand side of the building, with a stage tucked in the corner. The bar offered quality drinks, a disco-ball hung overhead, and vintage-styled posters were placed along the walls. The venue feels like a home away from home for the local crowd, looking for eclectic music.

Rock n’ roll quartet Balto, who recently held a show at Soda Bar this August, consists of frontman Dan Sheron, Adam Ditt on bass, Sheldon Reed on drums, and Tristan Lake Leabu on guitar. In conjunction with the string of new music they’ve released across 2022 and 2023, their upcoming album is still on the horizon. The project is described as a culmination of all their ambitions as artists, resulting in something that promises excellent performances on all of their parts, while also being undeniably vulnerable.

A variety of songs, ranging from Jethro Tull and George Benson, played through the speakers as attendees gradually filled the building for Balto’s show. Merchandise pertaining to the band were also available for purchase that night, beside the door. While the opening band performed, their folk, almost melancholic sound, was complemented by the deep hue of blue stage lights. They set the scene with much diligence.

When Balto arrived, they greeted the audience, asking how their San Diego crowd was feeling. All four members were expressive, and undeniably groovy. Not only was the stage they performed on close to the audience, but their laidback demeanors established a closeness between them and those watching.

They opened the show with their recent single “Novocaine”. The band’s stylistic choices, harmonies, and impressive synchronization all combined, made them spectacle of an act to see up close. They produced a distinctively loud sound, one that made the building feel larger than it was. Every pluck on the guitar and bass was intense, and each thunderous pound against the drum was marvelous. Leabu tossed his hair back wildly, allowing the energy conjured from the music to course through his body, making him move freely. He was electrifying onstage. They all dawned outfits, especially Leabu, that looked straight out of the 70s.

While folks bopped their heads to the music, Sheron gleamed, calling San Diego a killer town, filled with a bunch of killer people. They announced their new record, as well as some of the songs to be featured on it, which were included in their show’s setlist. Electric guitar for their next was worthy of praise, and the stage lights turned an iridescent pink. Audience-goers watched with drinks in hand, still tapping their toes.

In-between most pieces, Sheron addressed the crowd. At the height of the Covid pandemic, he listened to many podcasts whilst doing the dishes, which transitioned into their next song of the night. Unlike songs before this one, it was much slower, almost befitting the time in which it was written. Steady, thoughtful, but slowly turning into something real powerful. The kind of song to get listeners into stomping their feet, like the jumpstart of an electrical current. Individuals do not want to miss out watching Balto perform. They’re a band worthy of bigger stages and larger crowds, with an infectious energy and greater music.

The band took a moment to clarify that they are from Los Angeles. They took a long road to Soda Bar, considering how one of them resides in Huntington Beach. Their next piece was written for their friend, Seth. In line with the previous song, it also started off relaxed. Yet, right before it sounded as though they were going to wrap the song up, Reed’s drumming launched into unthinkable territory. Everyone on stage kneeled for him, watching in anticipation as he played an astonishing solo, before they sprung back up.

Surprisingly, Balto finished their album a year ago, and were allowing others to take the record home alongside merchandise. According to Sheron, they hadn’t played a show since January. He was quick to express his adoration for his fellow bandmates, and referred to them as his brothers. Before their next piece, titled “Highway Angel” he explained how he had recently fallen off a motorcycle, and dislocated his shoulder. The song is about refusing to change poor behavior, yet still not dying on the interstate.

Across the entire show, the musicians looked so immersed in their craft. Even the smiles shared between Ditt and Sheron while they played were hard to miss. Sheron played his guitar as though he was lost in a world of his making. For their next piece, he joked it was somewhat like a tongue twister in song form. This piece mentioned dancing slow, out in the moonlight. This song highlighted the talents of each band member the most. They felt like puzzle pieces fitting together, to create something exhilarating. Not a single moment was wasted, and each of the musicians looked at home when playing their instruments.

Moments before this show finished, Sheron thanked the audience once more for their attendance. He also commented on how those familiar with their work would know what their final song of the night was. In one grand, enjoyable display, he shared the names of each of their band members, as they performed an impactful finale. Folks gathered around fast. Reed shined on the drums, as did Ditt on the bass, and by the time Balto wrapped up, they were met with audible praises from those in the audience, and overwhelming applause. The energy brought on by everyone inside of the building was positive as it was supportive. To learn more about Balto’s album, as well as their upcoming shows, visit https://www.baltotheband.com/.