The first time I ever heard Surfer Blood was in May of 2009. Lead singer, JP, sent me an email asking me to take a listen to the few singles they had up on their Myspace page. I did and instantly fell in love. A few weeks later I received another email from him informing me that they have finished their first album, which they named Astro Coast, and that he had attached it for me to hear; it was all I listened to for weeks after that. Unfortunately for me, I have yet to see them live; this will be changing this coming Wednesday, the 21st.
The West Palm Beach natives will be performing their brand of fuzzy, beach pop infused indie rock at the Crowbar in Ybor. In the past couple of years, Surfer Blood has been doing a pretty good job of making a name for themselves; their single “Swim” was even listed as number 37 on Pitchfork’s 100 Best Songs of 2009.
Although it has been two years since the release of their last album, they have not been slacking. Touring, not only the United States, but the UK as well, the band has also been at work on a new EP entitled Tarot Classics – which will be released on October 25th of this year. Opening up the show will be an ensemble cast of South Florida favorites, including Tampa’s own (and one of my personal favorite local bands) Sleepy Vikings.
Sleepy Vikings is the band that made me fall in love with shoe-gaze, and if it is possible for someone to have a crush on an entire band…well then I do, on them. Their music is completely swoon-worthy in an unintimidating way and it seems as though anytime I talk or write about them, I can’t help but gush (seen here). They are one of those bands that when you see them live, you can feel how much they love playing music. It’s twangy, dreamy, hazy…basically every good word that ends with an –ee sound!
From Naples is another quartet that is quite familiar with Tampa – Fake Problems. Hailing from Naples, Fake Problems has been going strong for five years now had have released three full-length albums, two of which are on record label SideOneDummy. Their music ranges in sound from punk to folk, and you can definitely hear bits of the bands they call their biggest influences, including Blink 182 and Bright Eyes. Although I have yet to see them live either, I have heard nothing but great things about their stage show and am well aware that one of the things they are best known for is how unrelentingly they tour.
Another band originally from West Palm Beach, is show-openers Guy Harvey. This quintet is the perfect way to start off this amazing show. They too, have a beachy tint to their sound, but theirs comes off a little more stripped down and basic; which can be very refreshing in an age where what’s becoming popular is heavy, electronica. No one in the band is trying to out do the other, every member compliments the other and they all play very well into vocalist Adam Perry.
Put on by ThxMgmt, (who seem to have a knack for finding acts that match up perfectly) this line-up is perfect for a mid-week break from reality. Playing in-between sets will be Tampa’s thee Liquid Jesus DJs. Doors are at 730pm and the tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; a price that literally made me do a double take! This is one not to miss, and for 10 bucks…you have no reason NOT to be there.
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