Los Angeles – West Palm Beach, Florida surf-rock auteurs Surfer Blood have arrived with their follow up to 2013’s Pythons. The band has turned a new leaf by leaving their major label (Warner Bros. Records) and heading back to their D.I.Y. roots by signing with indie label Joyful Noise Recordings. However, an unfortunate situation has recently come to light. Guitarist Thomas Fekete has left the group due to a medical diagnosis for a rare form of cancer (Sarcoma) that had spread to his lungs and spine. With his departure and hopeful recovery in mind, John Paul Pitts (lead vocals/guitar), Kevin Williams (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Tyler Schwarz (drums) continue on with their third LP, 1000 Palms, out this week. In light of all this, it is certainly their most mature record to date.
In 2015, several bands are attempting to change their signature formula, as they get further into their respective careers. While Surfer Blood isn’t rewriting their fuzzy, summery and laidback vibe, they are taking a necessary step forward to hone their true artistry. The results are powerful with a dreamlike vibe and a wistfulness that still evokes confidence throughout the course of 11 tracks. With an indie label behind them and self-recording as well as self-producing their latest endeavor, Surfer Blood are able to educe a new beginning in an utterly unrestrained way. 1000 Palms serves not only as a leap in creativity for the quartet, but also a testament that both time and youth are precious commodities.
“Time waits for no one” is the opening line from the first track, “Grand Inquisitor.” It has a subtle beginning before the band turns up the guitars and drums in their usual slacker fashion. However, right after the halfway point of this short (just 2:38) track the band swirls into another gear. With the combination of chirping guitars and jangling drums, Surfer Blood feels right at home again as they settle in with this initial track. “I Can’t Explain” displays the band growing both personally and artistically with their sound. Incredibly delicate and with a sort of deep pining attached to it, the song inserts just enough jubilation to complement the matured themes. “Feast – Famine” has buzzing guitars and quick drums to make up this fine sounding tune. Maturation emerges with “Point of No Return” showcasing the band’s new skillet. Self-assuredness and pensiveness meet in the same breath with this stellar outing. Shimmering guitars and Pitt’s smooth vocals are alluring as ever. “Covered Wagons” is graceful with a 90s alternative rock vibe. This guitar-driven surf rock endeavor is pure bliss as it once again displays the group’s deep progression.
“Other Desert Cities” positions itself into a fragile setting. The dreamier rendition and snappy arrangement along with Pitt’s breathy vocals whip up a dynamic recipe. The standout track, however, is the closer “NW Passage.” With a guitar strumming intro that sounds like something off an early Broken Social Scene album, the track soon veers off to Surfer Blood’s familiar realm as it brings the listener closer in. This divine yet understated tune is the most charming piece of work the band has ever composed. It travels along the road of serenity as the song concludes with the sounds of birds chirping. 1000 Palms is a careful, but assertive, effort from a band that is at a crossroads with their music and their own individual lives. With this record, Surfer Blood is reflective on relationships, youth, and the essence of time—all things that have an appointed expiration date attached to them.
Check out Surfer Blood’s Facebook for information about their ongoing tour throughout the end of June.
Sean Kayden
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