Review:

on 2010-02-09 Zakerias Said:

My veins have successfully been infused with Surfer Blood and I'm just not sure how to handle this new transformation:

Calling to us from West Palm Beach, Florida comes what I already think to be one of 2010's top albums of the year. Hence the initial track's title of "Floating Vibes", I just can't seem to stop bouncing in this wonderful home-state-hit of a vibe. Florida has always been on top of creating and providing some of the best (and often unknown) music to date. These creations include but aren't limited to death metal, but let's forget about that for now... Stick your head in a pot of excessive reverb done tastefully and a vocal tone that just sucks the soul right of you and you still have not yet been explained the ultimate glory of Surfer Blood to any acceptable degree.

Super-solid and speed-driving bass lines tire the feet along with the same force driven behind the drum kit that's sticking whimsical guitar riffs into your head like a .45 at point blank, sweating the face under an August sun on Siesta Key that you can't help but smile at because the beautiful woman (or man, if you prefer) that's got it dropped on you is letting you know that it's okay no matter how it ends. Sweet whispers and casual lies.

Seem chaotic? It's really not, actually. This foursome is here to tell us to have fun, and be damned if we don't listen. Be damned if we don't want to keep on listening!

"Put some light distortion on those throat-notes, boy!"

They seem to take and fulfill all requests of anything you could possibly want to hear in the 'indie' band coming straight out of a dream you had once, or twice, and put them right where you want them to be.

I can't compare Surfer Blood to anything... I understand that they fall into a particular genre, but they truly have a unique sound that stands out like no other and that is sure to keep on doing the same thing. It's no surprise to me that they seemed to dominate the CMJ showcases this last year and I'm doing nothing but looking forward to catching them live on the tour that they're presently involved with.

http://www.myspace.com/surferblood

Rating: 9/10

on 2010-01-27 dscanland Said:

Hey thurstamoore, thanks for bringing my attention to Surfer Blood. I think this is definitely something I am going to enjoy!
Not Rated

Review:

on 2010-01-17 thurstamoore Said:

Floridas up and coming band Surfer Blood have released their killer (just check out the album art!) debut album after months of hype. Astro Coast is basically what you would end up with if Weezer, The Shins and the Beach Boys were all put in one great big melting pot and became one.

The beautiful, sunny tone of their guitars alongside the groovy bass lines send the listener to a far off tropical beach, with envy of their mad surfing skills. Which is funny, because none of these guys actually surf. Astro Coast is a collection of 10 immediately loveable songs, worthy of repeated listens.

"Floating Vibes", with its simple guitar lines and James Mercer-like vocals, sets the perfect summery and beachy mood for the rest of the album and it leads into the album's first single; "Swim". The song begins with strong, chanting vocals with plenty of reverb and echo, into a super catchy guitar riff. After about a minute, the song tur ns down to a lovely guitar and drum solo, only to burst back into a roaring, shredding solo and back to the power-pop chorus. "Take It Easy" is reminiscent of both the 80s and Vampire Weekend at the same time as the singer whips out his falsetto. "Neighbour Riffs", the albums only instrumental song, is so beautiful and summery that it flies by just as fast as those precious sunny days. The album ends on a softer note, with the melody-driven "Catholic Pagans".

Astro Coast has a bit for everyone, whether you are into punk, pop-rock or super hipster alternative. Right from the first listen, the songs are immediately catchy and memorable. These anthem-like power-pop, surf punk songs are as feel-good as it gets. Theres no denying that this album is the perfect cure for the common wintertime blues.
Rating: 7/10