Surfer Blood
photo: byianwitlen
What draws me to a band with no release, and hardly any tour history under it’s belt, is as much a mystery to me, as our existence. Maybe it’s in a name, or maybe a collection of key words that catch my attention? Whatever it may be, Surfer Blood peaked my attention, and in pursuit I’ve found myself making my way through the band’s upcoming debut release Astro Cast. I’m not sure if it was the name of the band or a combination of the name along with being from Florida, which we all know is rich with rock music that leans towards the metal side, but I was expecting something a bit heavier. What I’ve discovered is a sound that comfortably fits in the current scene of indie pop, while managing to establish a foreseeable future in the hearts and minds of bloggers and music fans, with an obvious strength in crafty diverse songs. Admittedly, upon the first couple of listens, I had all but written the band off as another fluff piece cashing in on the low-fi, fuzzed out sounds of the current indie pop scene, but as the minutes ticked by the album’s appeal slowly revealed itself.
Surfer Blood have nothing to do with surfing, despite hailing from Palm Beach, Florida. Yet,the band rides the theme out with song titles “Floating Vibes” and “Swim”, while compounding it with a picture of a Great White’s gaping mouth on the cover of the album.
After making quite the splash (couldn’t help it) at this year’s CMJ, the band hit the road with opportunities to share the stage with Art Brut, Japandriods, and an upcoming opening slot for Jay Reatard in Dallas 12/10. You can catch them performing in-studio @ KEXP.org 12/1.
Astro Coast drops legal on 1/19/2010.
MP3> Surfer Blood ‘Swim’
