We've got new music this week from Surfer Blood, a band that's also relatively new. Who is Surfer Blood? Just four dudes from West Palm Beach, Florida who like to make good music. With their first album Astro Coast out on January 19, they've already gotten praise from publications like Pitchfork and Spin. But if you don't trust them and you don't trust me, just listen for yourself. "Swim" is the first single from their new album and you can hear it now on our music player!
I got to chat with band member JP Pitts to help clarify some things about the band. It's not a common practice for us to interview bands we feature, but after I saw their crazy fun band photos on Myspace, I knew I'd get some good laughs out of a one-on-one convo. So first and foremost, are they surfers? No, but they do like the beach. The name "Surfer Blood" was just something they came up with, although JP did mention some dislike for surfers because they're "too serious" about their culture and lifestyle. Which is totally understandable - if I was a five minute bike ride from the beach like JP is, I'd be more into hanging out and enjoying myself and less worried about being serious with anything. With all that being said, however, they do make some serious good music, y'all.
I also asked JP for some clarity about the track "Twin Peaks," as I'm a huge fan of the show and wanted to know the scoop. Unfortunately, JP tells me it's not really about the show - it actually deals with a long distance relationship from his past. The title for the song came from the odd vibe that his relationship had, much like that of Twin Peaks: "it started out normal, but it just got weirder and weirder." Yeh, that definitely sounds like a David Lynch drama. The second half of the album has darker and more melancholy themes much like "Twin Peaks," but be forewarned that the first half of the album has some great pop songs that will definitely rock you.
The boys of Surfer Blood have plenty of tour dates on the schedule for the next few months - check out their stops on their official Myspace page. JP promises that each of their live performances will offer something new and different from the album. "They're more raw," says JP of their live shows, "We're always changing them, trying new things to keep the shows live and fresh."
And now for the giveaway! I've got three copies of Surfer Blood's album Astro Coast to giveaway, and each of those three winners will also score one of our unisex Big League burnout baseball tees plus some really awesome Alternative promo sunglasses. I know it's cold outside right now and you maybe want to win something super warm like a hoodie, but I can't help myself. All this talk about the beach has got me ready for some sunny days.
How do you enter to win? Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, January 31, 2010 - we'll announce our three winners on Monday, Fabruary 1. Good luck!
u guys always find the best music! seeya
Posted by: dennis | January 18, 2010 at 12:26 PM
In need of some rockin tunes to endure the frozen-gray days that are January in NY. Anything in the burnout fabric would be a divine article to wear of the very best kind.
Posted by: Jody | January 18, 2010 at 12:29 PM
mmmm Surfer Blood!!!! sounds awesome! let me win please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Angelica | January 18, 2010 at 12:29 PM
killer vibes!
Posted by: MB | January 18, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Your music-watch blogs always kill it. Thanks for doing a great job.
Posted by: Ben | January 18, 2010 at 12:59 PM
very beachy music! pic me please!!
Posted by: Matt Shepersky | January 18, 2010 at 01:29 PM
cool band
Posted by: Sam Goss | January 19, 2010 at 04:45 PM
count me in!
Posted by: lauren. | January 19, 2010 at 06:19 PM
surfer blood sounds awesomely sweet!
Posted by: Matt Shepersky | January 20, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Another great band! Love them!! :)
Posted by: Julie L | January 21, 2010 at 11:10 AM