On Friday, Sept. 17, The Social hosted another great concert, this time with the bands Surfer Blood and The Drums. Both bands are fairly unknown, hidden treasures of the indie music scene with original sounds.
Opening for The Drums, Surfer Blood did not disappoint, playing hits from their debut album, Astro Coast, which came out this January. The band has a interesting sound similar to the Arctic Monkeys that fuses rock and new wave. Most of Surfer Blood’s songs have a very cool, retro synthesizer-like sound, but they range in mood from upbeat to chill to reflective. Critic Ian Cohen has called Astro Coast “a great guitar album,” mostly due to the catchy hooks, but despite the infectious tunes, Surfer Blood’s songs contain substantial themes of love, despair, uncertainty and religion.
The band’s look is as eclectic as its sound. While the lead singer dressed in plaid and preppy colors, the band’s drummer showed off an impressive afro. It has been rumored that the band has recently been signed to major label Warner Bros., so expect to hear a lot more about Surfer Blood soon.
The Drums took the stage next. Like Surfer Blood, The Drums have a unique sound that is reminiscent of 80s new wave, but is slightly more pop than rock. They, too, have a recently released self-titled album that displays a variety of moods and tempos. On their website The Drums claim, “We write about feelings: one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all your hopes and dreams at once. The other is when you’re walking alone in the rain and realize you will be alone forever.”
Just a day before the concert, The Drums announced on their Facebook page that guitarist Adam Kessler had left the band. However, they put on a great show and they are continuing the act on their American tour. I strongly encourage all to check out both bands to experience a sound so rarely heard today.
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