While some bands have been–making waves (LOLOLOOL)– with songs about surfing, Florida’s Surfer Blood is knee deep in the beach-themed downer/upper rock. Unlike The Drums, who are quick to denounce their surfing connection as anything but a misconception, Surfer Blood seems to be all about the theme. From the album’s great single, “Swim,” to the album cover and most obviously the band’s name, they have beach-rock practically tattooed on their foreheads.
Their debut, Astro Coast, is a very impressive effort. The songs come off strong and confident, and their sound is unique and intriguing. Cool! What more could you ask for, right? While “Swim” is a clear single, “Twin Peaks,” “Take It Easy,” and “Harmonix,” are also all great listens. They tend to seamlessly shift gears from cheery, fast-paced pop attitudes and more downtrodden, wallflower rock.
In fact, Surfer Blood’s influence seems to come somewhere between The Beach Boys, 1960s garage bands, 1980s/90s downer alternative music and modern-day indie rock. And they do it all with a slight smile. Rather than evoke cheery summer days at the beach, which we’re all used to, Surfer Blood brings up an image of a bleak, dreary day, drifting out into the dark, choppy ocean.
On Astro Coast, they offer a couple shorter pop songs interspersed with longer, more ambitious tracks. Both “Slow Jabroni” and “Anchorage” clock in at over six minutes. They also don’t mind hitting you with a quick 2-minute instrumental piece, “Neighbour Riffs.” What Astro Coast really shows is that, although the band has a lot of room to grow, they are instantly ambitious and confident. They are also instantly talented and unique. Here’s to many more bleak, dreary beach days to come!
Surfer Blood – “Swim” [MP3]