Picking up from when I last wrote about SXSW, after Guards finished their set at the Belmont, next up on the bill was Florida’s Surfer Blood. Lead singer John Paul Pitts came out with kitten whiskers and nose painted in black on his face; I had actually seen him before the show walk past us but figured he was just another Flaming Lips fan. The band ripped through a combination of material from their well-regarded Astro Coast as well as songs from its new album Pythons, which wasn’t out at the time of this show. Surfer Blood plays catchy guitar pop and the crowd enjoyed both songs that people knew (Swim) and didn’t (the excellent Demon Days). Pitts has a slightly nasally delivery that has got the required attitude to accompany the hook-y music.
Taking a cue from what seemed like every other band we’d seen, Pitts came out into the crowd during the middle of the set and sang while his bandmates slayed on stage. I was impressed with the tightness of their set, and seeing how young they looked, they seemed very put together. I didn’t know of Pitts’ domestic violence charge (later dropped by his girlfriend) at the time of the show, but one would hope he’s learned from that situation.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Surfer Blood continues along the same track they are on or diversify their sound. For now, I’m happy for them to keep rocking. Would definitely go see these guys again. Two acts into the night at Belmont, we were 2 for 2.
You can see the entire set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZcUCu2x0u8
Nothing to Write Home About 