You know how the ocean lulls you to sleep, with its rushing waves and constant roar? It’s one of my favorite things about going to the beach.

But an album called Kudos by a New Zealand band called Surf City led me to expect something more akin to Annette Funicello’s Beach Blanket Bingo.

Maybe I was wrong to expect such a literal meaning to a name, but seriously, Kudos made me feel like taking a nap—and not in a good way.

Did I miss something? I couldn’t help but be bored by the monotonous guitars and repetitive lyrics. “Icy Lakes,” which goes on for a numbing eight minutes, had me checking my iPod several times, wondering when it would finally end.

“See How The Sun” is a little more bumpin’, and the vocals have a bit more expression in them, but the song is so short!

Even upbeat numbers like “In Times Of Approach” disappointed after the opening notes, fading into what feels like a lo-fi jam band session.

“ICA” did strike a chord with me, as it sounds like an ‘80s punk song. It’s one of the only tracks on the album that I actually felt like listening to more than once.

“Yazuka Park” is fun with its synth-piano opening, but, again, it just feels repetitive to me. I was left wanting more from the songs, wishing Surf City would step it up a little bit.

“Retro” was another favorite, with more interesting lyrics and guitar work. But overall, I am not a fan of Kudos.

I’m usually the first to latch on to mellow, moody music, but please, let it be interesting! I mean, if Yo La Tengo can make a ten minute song like “Spec Bebop” pleasing, Surf City can surely do the same.

I have a feeling that Surf City would be a great band to see live, but unless you enjoy listening to jam bands, skip this album. I’d love to hear from some who disagree, and why. Comment below or email me at liz@bestnewbands.com

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