I think that we all, myself included, have a very specific reaction when we hear an album described as a guitar album. And despite my better intentions, it's generally something like, "Oh, okay. Another one? Didn't we just have an album like that?" But in the case of Surfer Blood's debut album, Astro Coast, that label is a tad misleading. Make not mistake, guitars are front and center on all of these tracks, so just for the sake of content, the label would appear to be valid but there are many things going on beneath the ever-present swirl of riffs that set this album apart from like-minded artists. A prime example of this is the way that the 2009 single "Swim" took the typical indie rock presets and over the course of its' 3 minute length managed to evoke everyone from Pavement to Dinosaur Jr, and yes, those bands were also pegged as guitar bands. Although young, Surfer Blood seem to possess a maturity beyond their years, at least when it comes to the understanding of what a simple song is capable of. And never ones to rely just on the goodwill of a few indie listeners need for their quick anthem-belting fix, Surfer Blood turn the typical lyrics about girls, confusion, and insecurity into sincere, although still naive, sentiments depicting the ever-changing difficulties of an ordinary life. It's this ability to relate to the listener on a simple, though still meaningful, way that helps Surfer Blood rise above the meandering pack of lifeless anthem-parading rock bands constantly doing their best to gain your attention. And Surfer Blood has mine.
Tracklisting:
01. Floating Vibes
02. Swim (listen to the mp3 below)
03. Take It Easy
04. Harmonix
05. Neighbour Riffs
06. Twin Peaks
07. Fast Jabroni
08. Slow Jabroni
09. Anchorage
10. Catholic Pagans
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