There will be (Surfer) Blood

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 | musiX

I’m often drawn to bands based on their names … which is why I am a big fan of Italy’s Necrodeath—not to mention they sure can play some good jams.

Surfer Blood is another band I had to check out because of their handle. Quick word association: Surfer Blood, Great White shark, Jaws, Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harrison Ford, Han Solo, the Millennium Falcon, tractor beams, the Death Star, Deathstar, brilliant noise-pop …

… which brings me back to Surfer Blood. Now, calling Surfer Blood brilliant would be a bit generous, but the four-piece is making some pretty fun and rambunctious rock out of West Palm Beach, Florida … a place I will likely never visit.

The band’s debut Astro Coast—which actually has a Great White on the cover—was recorded in a dorm room at the University of Florida. The familiar elements are there—Beach Boy harmonies, skuzzy guitars, ramshackle indie rock arrangements—and I must say these guys have managed to strike a perfect balance between them all, churning out songs that are sweet and reckless (and I will say that the second half of the 6-minute “Slow Jabroni” comes close to brilliance).

The almighty blogosphere has already latched on to these young lads like a fleshy chunk of Vampire Weekend-flavored chum, and will probably not let go for the duration of ‘10. For once I might be with them … then again, I also predicted big things for Necrodeath.

“Swim” - Surfer Blood

“Slow Jabroni” - Surfer Blood

Tags: Astro Coast, Deathstar, Kanine Records, Surfer Blood

4 Comments to There will be (Surfer) Blood

Matt D
January 6, 2010

I like their fuzzy sound. They like reverb.

Mike Sargent
January 7, 2010

I think I’ve mentioned (to you Mark) Panache Booking who has taken charge of the mighty Surfer Blood. Panache is run by Michelle Cable, a Humboldt County native and awesome woman (now in NY). A couple of the bands on her roster have ended up in the writings of The Days of Lore (Monotonix, The Strange Boys, etc…) Check it out: http://www.panacherock.com/

dbj
January 8, 2010

This is a great post, particularly the word association part. And the phrase “fleshy chunk of Vampire Weekend-flavored chum.”

THE RECOMMENDER BLOG
January 8, 2010

I love an insightful, well-written blog that occasionally makes me laugh. Thank you…
Mike

The Days of Lore