Surfer Blood

Surfer Blood are one of the most exciting new (ish) bands around today. There live show is brilliant sounding, as unique as the albums and expertly played but with a different twist encompassing their surroundings.

They combine a rawness influenced by Sonic Youth, Pixies and Pavement with danceable beats with very heavy elements of surf music. The few times I've seen them it's been in a more intimate setting. Pubs, record stores and small clubs. They fit in perfectly here and they make for a very listenable band. The contrast in their music really shows up here, they have some intricate clean riffs and basslines. But they are also not afraid to throw a bit of distortion into the mix and get the crowd moving! In large venues however, they do not disappoint.

Admittedly, at festivals and large bills, every band isn't going to sound perfect due to the small amount of time they have to perfect the sound of each instrument. But all the times I have seen them, they still sound as good (if not better) than their records. Furthermore, in large venues they have the capacity to really get a good atmosphere going and before bands such as The Vaccines and Interpol they have really done their part. These are four guys that look like they love playing together, and seem genuinely thrilled to be playing for each and every crowd. I've even had the pleasure of meeting them, and they're such cool guys. They come off as great guys exactly as they do on stage.

Surfer Blood is an alternative rock band with a distinctively different sound: they seamlessly blend a more mellow, surf sound (hence the name) with a hard rock edge. Their surf rock style makes them stand out from the crowd and is what makes them such an enjoyable music experience. Although an American band, I was lucky enough to see them live and was reminded of a million different things- Smith Westerns, Wavves, even The Beatles a few times- and yet I couldn’t pin down a single sound that was quite as edgy, as fun, as hard core and yet as summery as this band. Basically, they are a brilliant amalgamation of contradictions. I certainly wasn’t expecting such an eclectic style from a band that was playing, firstly in an extremely intimate and modest venue, and furthermore that looked as if they were still a bunch of college kids playing out of their mom’s basement. Appearances can be deceiving: they didn’t look like much, but they seemed like genuinely lovely guys with a passion for music. They chatted to the crowd, took photos after and seemed to enjoy every moment they were performing. ‘Demon Dance’, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Needles and Pins’ were personal favourites.

Wednesday 30th September. Tufnell Park Dome. Surfer Blood. It’s just me and my son and heir tonight. After a cheeky Dirty Burger in Kentish Town and it’s a stroll down to Tufnell Park.

This is Surfer Blood’s biggest London gig at the mid-sized Dome and is probably three quarters full when they arrive on stage. Surfer Blood are a power pop quartet from Florida whose sound wouldn’t be astray on the West Coast.

After the brilliant riff heavy debut album they have followed it up this year with a great fourth, 1000 Palms. The set largely draws from these two and they are impressive all night.

There’s some great licks from the band and a real heartfelt warmth of appreciation of the turnout tonight. After a brief foray into the crowd it’s into a fierce guitar solo from the unlikely front man, John Paul Pitts who looks a little like a slim John Candy.

I Can’t Explain and Swim are the highlights for me, the former I just can’t get out of my head on the walk back into Kentish Town. A great nights from a band that needs a lot more attention.

You know those artists that are so chill it's like watching your buddies perform? These guys (and gal!) are definitely one of the most chill, most fun and goofiest bands you'll ever have the pleasure of seeing live. They sound great live and interact well with the crowd. After the show they stick around and hang with fans, autograph stuff and are also super down to take lots of pics! Nothing worse than an artist who's in a hurry to leave after the show. Surfer Blood is great. I took a friend who had never heard of them before and even she will tell you that they are guaranteed to provide an awesome fun time even if you've never really heard their stuff. This was my second time seeing them and they were incredible both times. I can't ever imagine being anything but in love with their performance and the vibe they put out!

Best live show ever been to!!!!! All band members were super dedicated and we talked a lot after the show, were all willing share ideas and take photos. Definitely regret coming a bit late and missed their first 2 songs.

Great show! They are just as nice as everyone claims them to be! Their live show will not disappoint. The opening bands were just the right style. Terry Malts and Kid Trails are bound for greatness!

Free is good... Even better with a quality group like surfer blood.

Acoustics in the hall are a bit off but non the less a great show. Until next time.