SXSW 2010 Preview: Surfer Blood

It should come as no surprise to you that I'm highlighting Surfer Blood as a band to catch at SXSW 2010. This band of youthful Floridians played that crap out of CMJ Fest last year garnering them much buzz and/or critical acclaim. I predict that after playing around 10 gigs during SXSW 2010 they'll be playing all the festivals and you'll start hearing their tunes during your favorite TV shows. While I'm on the topic I'm tired of people complaining when they hear, for instance, Phoenix in a Cadillac commercial. That's the new hearing your song on the radio. If you're a good band hearing your song on the radio, in a lot of ways, is the beginning of the end. You're old audience (hipsters) will turn against you and you'll get the Owl City treatment. If you want to keep your cred these days you remain in obscurity while attain financial success through licensing your songs for shows on E!, commercials, and movies (see Spoon).

Phew, now that I've gotten that rant out of the way I'll get to the key points re:Surfer Blood. They write rock tunes in the style of Rivers Cuomo with their own twist and modern-edge. Most of the band is too young to be a customer at the venues they play, which, to me, makes their sound more believable. It sounds fresh as opposed to simply ironic. Try whistling along, the melodies are killer even when they don't seem like they are.


Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube


I guess Surfer Blood is continuing the dudes in their underwear theme established during the Super Bowl, as well as the Frightened Rabbit post with that Swim video. Once again, I've culled this info from the Do512 profile for Surfer Blood. Keep in mind when bands book themselves at a lot of parties sometimes they miss some. Looking at you, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart last year they double-booked themselves at Emo's and Radio Room silly booking peeps.

Wed 03/17 at Wave *Official Showcase*
Thu 03/18 at Club de Ville *Free Day-Party*
Fri 03/19 at Lustre Pearl *Free Night-Show*
Sat 03/20 at Urban Outfitters *Free Day-Party*
Sat 03/20 at the Mohawk *Official Showcase*

I really thought they were playing more shows than that? Perhaps there will be more listed as the fest approacheth. I'm glad that Surfer Blood's final official gig will be headlining the Mohawk's outside stage. It's going to be epic with their reverb-soaked sound in a packed open-air venue with people staring down from every surface. Even though I'm all about enjoying SX in an unofficial way, I may try to get into that show...somehow(?) Here's one of my favorite tunes from their album, Astro Coast:


Surfer Blood - Twin Peaks video via YouTube