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Montgomery Blair High School's Online Student Newspaper
Tags: print
Nov. 14, 2002

Balena

by Josh Gottlieb-Miller, Page Editor
Review: The experienced and talented Balena is capable of putting on a crowd-pleasing show with their easy-listen sound and well-developed lyrics. Charlotte Littlehales expert vocals and each members' individual skill allows for their precise sound. Furthermore, the laid back rockers are cool enough to establish and maintain a strong fan base. Smart and entertaining, Balena is on the rise.

Genre: Folk rock.

Band Members:
Cory Choy (Blair, senior): Guitar. Vocals. Songwriting.
Charlotte Littlehales (Blair, senior): Lead vocals. Songwriting. Piano.
Kevin Collins (Blair, senior): Bass, songwriting.
Ben Martinez (Blair, junior): Guitar, vocals.
John Escobar (Einstein, senior): Drums.
(Currently inactive) Arman Mizani (Blair, senior): Drums, piano/keyboards, back up vocals.
(Currently inactive) Griff Rees (Blair, senior): Guitar, drums.

Influences: "Everything. My dad’s music turned wuss rock and pop," remarks Littlehales candidly.

History: Littlehales and Choy joined together and then decided they’d sound better as a full band.

Albums: None.

Website: None.

Best Song: All About Him.

Worst Song: Happy Birthday.

Best thing about being in a band: Charlotte Littlehales says,
"Musical experience."

Worst thing about being in a band: Littlehales says, "Conflicting goals. A lot of the time we disagree and don’t have the same priorities."

Reaction from other Blair musician: "[Balena] was really together [musically]. It’s not my kind of music... but I was impressed." (Ben Silsbee, Livewire)

Quotable: "There’s [shows] coming up, we’re starting to write new songs and I’m writing new songs and we’re expanding our fan base," Collins rambles amiably.



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Discuss this Article

  • The Dude on February 9, 2003
    who's that new guitarist for the band, he's he looks like a good connect four player
  • Ben on March 3, 2003
    Alright Josh with the updatetisle
  • Roxane (View Email) on November 21, 2003
    Wow. I'm impressed I even found something on the net about that band. It's really great =)
    Good music, I like a lot even if it comes from far away ^^;;
  • Clyde Wilkins (View Email) on February 10, 2004
    I saw Balena when they played in front of Barnes & Noble in Bethesda MD. I think it was Fall of 2003. It was a bit chilly. I liked what I heard so I bought their CD. I liked it so much that I listen to it more than any other piece of music in my collection. I find their music very haunting and hard to get out of my head. I would like to buy this CD for Valentine Day for someone I like. I would also like to know when and where they are playing locally. I too am a Blair graduate. I graduated from Montgomery Blair in 1978 way back when it was on Wayne Ave. Those were confusing times but that's High School for you. I was deffinitely glad to get out of there and had a much better time in college. There was less pressure to conform in college. Yet High School was a very special time and place. It's too bad that I couldn't have enjoyed my time their more. I was the guy who would rather walk to school than deal with the bus. Charlotte Littlehales' voice is beautiful. Go Blair!

    C. Mike Wilkins

  • doesn't really matter on April 9, 2004
    Charlotte Littlehales and Cory Choy need to have a concert soon, they are amazing. I listen to their music every day, it's what keeps me going. They are my inspiration.
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