But fear not. Sadly, the 60's are long passed, but that doesn't mean that surf rock went with it. Now it's 2011 and there are plenty of bands out there that are still giving us this same feeling. Let's take a look at some new bands that evoke not only this "surfing" aura, but also the overall feeling of happiness. Often times, this music packs that psychedelic sound. And whether or not you're into that sort of thing (I'm talking about drugs) you can still come away with that feeling of ecstasy and enjoyment. These bands may not always supply the densest lyrics, but nonetheless, make us feel careless and stress free. Here's a look at some of these bands:
- Magic Kids - In 2010, these Memphis Beach Boys clones came out with their first LP, known as none other than Memphis. Frontman Bennett Foster sounds like Brian Wilson as he sings through his catchy pop tunes. I recommend checking them out if you've listened to everything Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys put out and are still pining for more. If you're looking for a place to start try watching this funny, yet also creepy YouTube video of them performing "Cry With Me Baby" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmo_stbnI80 Recommended Tracks: Hey Boy, Summer.
- The Drums - The Brooklyn-based indie rockers came out with their EP, Summertime! in March, which attracted some attention, leading to their release of their first self-titled LP. Jonathan Pierce put together an interesting set of vocals, that could be described at times as "whiny," but still sound good. One look at The Drums and you revert back to those 80's "emo" bands like Joy Division or The Smiths. You can definitely hear that sound as you listen. Recom
mended Tracks: Let's Go Surfing, The Future.
-Wavves - While some might be turned off by Wavves (yes, I'm sure they realized their misspelling) because of how hard they sound, these Cali boys are worth a listen. They are definitely more "noisy" than the previously mentioned bands. Wavves has been around the punk, lo-fi scene since '08 with their albums Wavves (2008) and the creatively named 2009 LP Wavvves. However, King of the Beach their 2010 release seems to hit the nail on the head. Check it out. Recommended Tracks: King of the Beach, Post Acid.
-Best Coast - Bethany Cosentino's lyrics are so simple, yet just so damn catchy. In 2009 she formed the band with her former baby sitter, Bobb Bruno. She says she's only been to the beach a few times, but man, she nails the beachy, surf rock sound. Their first album, 2010's Crazy for You, is comprised of simple rhymes and simple little limericks, but coupled with the guitar make for one pop sensation of an album. Bethany rants about the boys she loves and the listener gets the feeling that he/she is paging through Bethany's own diary. But make no mistake, density aside, Crazy for You is one good album and one of the best of 2010. Recommended Tracks: Boyfriend, Crazy for You, When I'm With You.
So there you have it. The world of surf rock. Although they're not a new band, my personal favorite band OAT (of all time) Beulah has this sound down to perfection. Check out their 1999 release, When Your Heartstrings Break if you're interested. 2010 brought some great additions to the surf rock scene and let's hope for more of the same in 2011.
-DB
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