So with the bright, cartoon album cover of 'Confusion' I wasn't sure what to expect, or even what genre of music this would be. Definitely did not expect not what was delivered.
For me this album has a classic Kiwi live music vibe. It brought back memories of late nights at the Stomach in good old Palmy North listening to live bands from all over NZ, talented musicians and the people that loved the music on offer.
The more the album goes the better the songs get. The first song that really grabbed me is track 3 'You're On My Mind'. It's toe tapping and easy to remember. Other album favourites are 'No Oil' - love the bass track in this, 'I Tried', 'Are You There' and 'Human'. The singer's vocals aren't the strongest, but as far as the overall songs go - this works.
There are many successful bands recording now that don't have singers with perfect vocals, because perfect can be boring, particularly for the sounds that Surf Friends offer. Interesting is much more appealing. The title track 'Confusion' finishes up the album nicely.
The more I listen to the album the more it takes me back to those days of live music and good times, and I am really disappointed I didn't manage to see them play live. I am sure it would have been a night to remember.
Surf Friends are a new indie band drawing from the influences of Flying Nun bands such as The Clean. This Auckland three piece will make anyone into that sound happy, looped tracks background synth and harmonica along with guitar bass and drums create a very large sound.