It’s 2AM, headlights illuminate the glistening puddles of rain water on the asphalt left from earlier in the night. You’re young and itching for adventure, something to pull you up from the depths of boredom. There are no other cars on the road, why would there be? The stillness of the night contrasts against the noise in your head.

“Play something.”

Looking to your right, your friend is faintly highlighted by the passing street lights. She smiles.

“Like what?” you respond.

“Whatever feels right.”

Kicking off this weeks featured artist we have a personal favorite of mine: Surf Curse!

Formed in 2013 in Reno, Nevada, Surf Curse has entered the indie, surf rock scene with explosive instrumentation and catchy lyrics. Crafting this bands sound is the duo of Nick Rattigan and Jacob Rubeck. The former on lead vocals and drums, with the latter on guitar.

Blending influences from lo-fi, punk, and alternative rock, Surf Curse perfectly captures the essence of late nights, good company, and nostalgia. Their debut album Buds is easily my favorite from their discography, however this does not disregard their second album Nothing Yet or the Sad Boys EP either.

All of their projects have received positive acclaim from both fans and critics alike:

I had a grilled cheese which to my dismay held traces of pineapple in it. These tracks made that alright. Surf Curse is and will be my go to for late night car rides and the right summery feels when I need it most. Like an old friend’s jacket, or a cold cola from your favorite maker the want to just throw your arms up and wail aren’t an odd thought when they’re playing. “Fire Walk With Me” as a Twin Peaks fan makes my heart jitter like a six shot espresso coffee. Favorite track: Fire Walk With Me.  — Bunnny Rabbit

However, no artist is perfect and I do have some criticism for their music. Surf Curse does indeed have a unique sound exclusive to them, but at times it can be a bit repetitive, especially on their debut album Buds. The drumming on the tracks all pull from the legendary surf beat popularized in the 1950s and 60s by artists like The Beach Boys and The Ventures. Further, the length of the bands albums are quite short and can leave something to be desired. Buds consists of 10 songs with a run-time of 28 minutes, Nothing Yet is 9 songs with a 25 minute run-time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but in my opinion I would like to see the band progress and evolve their sound.

 

Favorite Tracks:

• “Freaks” (Buds)
• “In My Head Till I’m Dead” (Buds)
• “Goth Babe” (Buds)
• “Forever Dumb” (Sad Boys EP)
• “I’m Not Making out With You” (Sad Boys EP)
• “Doom Generation” (Nothing Yet)
• “The Strange and the Kind” (Nothing Yet)

 

I definitely recommend trying out this band’s music. So turn the volume up, go out into the late-night, and have fun with it!

What did you think of Surf Curse? Like them? Hate them? Let me know!