Concert in your area for Indie & Alt, Rock, Folk & Blues, Pop, and Hip-Hop.
The band first came together during the summer of 2008, when lead guitarist and front man Martin Courtney returned to New Jersey after finishing college, and started writing songs with school friends and fellow Weezer fans, Matt Mondanile (guitar), Alex Bleeker (Bass) and Etienne Pierre Duguay (Drums).
After releasing various singles and an EP on local labels and supporting Californian indie darlings “Girls” on tour, the band was eventually picked up by American label Woodist, who released their self-titled debut album “Real Estate” in 2009.
The album established the band’s hazy form of psychedelic surf pop that has now gathered them a large fan base within the indie scene. The album saw Real Estate receive critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the bands catchy summery harmonies and hazy riffs on tracks such as “Fake Blues” and “Atlantic City.” Many critics also drew comparisons to the likes of fellow New Jersey natives “Yo La Tengo” and “the Feelies”.
In 2011, after signing with Domino Records, and some roster reshuffling, Jackson Pollis replaced Duguay on drums, whilst Jonah Maurer came in on keyboard; Real Estate released their sophomore album, “Days”. Their second offering was again met with much fanfare from critics, who celebrated their consistency and clear song writing progress as a group.
The band released the album "Atlas" in 2014. It was yet another critical success for Courtney and co, but also saw some commercial success, as it debuted at number 34 on the US Billboard Chart. Both “Atlas” and “Days’ were ranked amongst the “The 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far” by Pitchfork.
Real Estate have embarked on various frequent tours around the world, as well as playing large and well known festivals such as Coachella and Primavera sound.
It doesn't seem like a priority for Real Estate to get caught up in the current trends in music nor to participate in the whirlwind of genre switching and forced innovation embraced by many of their indie contemporaries. They have found a sound that is comfortable for them and it is definitely a sound that feels comfortable to listen to. They have perfected the jangle pop style conceived by their predecessors such as The Smiths and R.E.M. and like these bands they have also refined their lyrics into serious commentaries of their surroundings and themselves. The self-introspective and sincere tone of their lyrics is often at odds with the breezy laid back feel of their music. However this incongruity provides real depth and character to their music. You can enjoy the pretty and calming effect of their sound, but also be challenged by the lyrical contents.
Their music does not often step outside the parameters of indie jangle pop; however there are enough alternations in their sound to keep the audiences' perpetual interest. Most of their tracks are wrapped in an ultra-relaxed quality laden with warped chorus effects and shimmering crescendos. However you can also expect to hear songs that will send a jolt of energy through your body like the hard driving track "It's Real." Things might even get slower as indicated on such songs like "The Bend", which is set to the slow strumming of Courtney's acoustic guitar, Kallman's dream like piano chimes and Modanile's shimmering spurts of guitar.
Real Estate offers an environment where you can simply relax and take in the music. It is a perfect setting to lounge in a plaid shirt, sport Allen Ginsberg style glasses and sip on a Pabst Blue Ribbon. There are no inconspicuous expectations, no stresses just the pure and sweet feeling of letting the music wash over you.