Surf Friends
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Surf Friends

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand | INDIE

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand | INDIE
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"album reviews : surf friends confusion"


album review


Surf Friends
Confusion
[Power Tool; 2010]

6.1
Find it at: Insound | eMusic | Amazon MP3 & CD

It's difficult to discuss New Zealand indie rock without mentioning the Clean. From the time of their debut single, "Tally Ho!", in 1981, the trio has since been cited as a massive inspiration to everyone from indie rock's Old Guard (Pavement, Yo La Tengo) to some of today's most exciting underground bands (Times New Viking, Crystal Stilts, the late Jay Reatard). With the Clean's reputation seemingly at an all-time high, one has to wonder how mighty a shadow the band has cast over its native land. With their debut record, Confusion, Surf Friends-- a young duo from Auckland-- attempt to wriggle their way out from under the Clean's heavy influence.

On parts of the record, it proves to be a struggle. Throughout the band swipes moves from the playbook of their forebears-- a few jangly guitars here, a few Farfisa organs there. A song like "Human" carries all of the hallmarks of a Clean tune, aside from unspectacular vocals being pushed high in the mix. Surf Friends' love for the band doesn't always serve as an albatross, however; the driving, catchy, and sun-drenched "Late Night" and "Enjoy the Show" are picture-perfect homages to the auspicious first decade of the the Clean, while "You're on My Mind" is an earworm that captures their off-the-cuff brilliance. "I Tried" adds something new to the template, starting out with a chiming guitar figure and building the entire song over a blissfully woozy undercurrent, even at one point sampling a percussive, synthesized horn blast eerily reminiscent of the opening to Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison".

When the band is making a clear effort to stand apart from the Flying Nun label, it proves to be a mixed bag. The intro of "No Oil" finds them restlessly experimenting with ambient loops before locking into a sulking, bass-driven groove and then devolving into meandering aimlessness. On the other hand, closing out with the album's title track, they focus on droning, blurry guitars and a bubbling, hypnotic bassline while providing many exploratory detours and even a couple of sharp tempo changes throughout the song's 10 minutes. While the template they've set for themselves can prove to be rigid at points, Confusion is a record that proves Surf Friends are capable of expanding upon it and even abandoning it completely. But in order for them to truly set their own path, they'll have to learn to do such a thing a little more often.

— Martin Douglas, November 17, 2010 - pitchfork


"album reviews : surf friends confusion"


album review


Surf Friends
Confusion
[Power Tool; 2010]

6.1
Find it at: Insound | eMusic | Amazon MP3 & CD

It's difficult to discuss New Zealand indie rock without mentioning the Clean. From the time of their debut single, "Tally Ho!", in 1981, the trio has since been cited as a massive inspiration to everyone from indie rock's Old Guard (Pavement, Yo La Tengo) to some of today's most exciting underground bands (Times New Viking, Crystal Stilts, the late Jay Reatard). With the Clean's reputation seemingly at an all-time high, one has to wonder how mighty a shadow the band has cast over its native land. With their debut record, Confusion, Surf Friends-- a young duo from Auckland-- attempt to wriggle their way out from under the Clean's heavy influence.

On parts of the record, it proves to be a struggle. Throughout the band swipes moves from the playbook of their forebears-- a few jangly guitars here, a few Farfisa organs there. A song like "Human" carries all of the hallmarks of a Clean tune, aside from unspectacular vocals being pushed high in the mix. Surf Friends' love for the band doesn't always serve as an albatross, however; the driving, catchy, and sun-drenched "Late Night" and "Enjoy the Show" are picture-perfect homages to the auspicious first decade of the the Clean, while "You're on My Mind" is an earworm that captures their off-the-cuff brilliance. "I Tried" adds something new to the template, starting out with a chiming guitar figure and building the entire song over a blissfully woozy undercurrent, even at one point sampling a percussive, synthesized horn blast eerily reminiscent of the opening to Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison".

When the band is making a clear effort to stand apart from the Flying Nun label, it proves to be a mixed bag. The intro of "No Oil" finds them restlessly experimenting with ambient loops before locking into a sulking, bass-driven groove and then devolving into meandering aimlessness. On the other hand, closing out with the album's title track, they focus on droning, blurry guitars and a bubbling, hypnotic bassline while providing many exploratory detours and even a couple of sharp tempo changes throughout the song's 10 minutes. While the template they've set for themselves can prove to be rigid at points, Confusion is a record that proves Surf Friends are capable of expanding upon it and even abandoning it completely. But in order for them to truly set their own path, they'll have to learn to do such a thing a little more often.

— Martin Douglas, November 17, 2010 - pitchfork


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends are coming from Auckland, New Zealand, followed in the footsteps of the sound of the early Flying Nun. The "Confusion" is their first LP and has been so good to remind us of that corner of the world. - just name it laika


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends are coming from Auckland, New Zealand, followed in the footsteps of the sound of the early Flying Nun. The "Confusion" is their first LP and has been so good to remind us of that corner of the world. - just name it laika


"surf friends confusion review"

Lowdown on the New 20 – Apostrophe not included
October 14, 2010 by craighaggis




Who? Surf Friends

Title: Confusion
Label: Powertool records
Tell me more: Surf Friends (not to be confused with another Kiwi band, Surf City) have only been around since early 2009 but haven’t been sitting on their rears, releasing an EP and four CD singles – that’s right CD singles, not downloads.
The Lowdown: These Friends are not shy about their influences – in the press release they joyfully profess to blending the “early indie sounds of Flying Nun bands … with new experimental waves of No Age and Deerhunter”. Listening to Flying Nun re-releases all day is a worthwhile occupation and it’s a fairly obvious influence on Confusion with You’re on My Mind in particular sounding very much like The Clean, but there’s also the early 80s rough-around-the edges pre-Blue Monday atmosphere of New Order coming through. While their influences are of a generation ago, that doesn’t mean to say the Friends are retro-obsessed; there’s a freshness to this marriage of the past and the present, and an emphasis on moving things forward, as much as they can. - craig haggis


"surf friends confusion review"

Lowdown on the New 20 – Apostrophe not included
October 14, 2010 by craighaggis




Who? Surf Friends

Title: Confusion
Label: Powertool records
Tell me more: Surf Friends (not to be confused with another Kiwi band, Surf City) have only been around since early 2009 but haven’t been sitting on their rears, releasing an EP and four CD singles – that’s right CD singles, not downloads.
The Lowdown: These Friends are not shy about their influences – in the press release they joyfully profess to blending the “early indie sounds of Flying Nun bands … with new experimental waves of No Age and Deerhunter”. Listening to Flying Nun re-releases all day is a worthwhile occupation and it’s a fairly obvious influence on Confusion with You’re on My Mind in particular sounding very much like The Clean, but there’s also the early 80s rough-around-the edges pre-Blue Monday atmosphere of New Order coming through. While their influences are of a generation ago, that doesn’t mean to say the Friends are retro-obsessed; there’s a freshness to this marriage of the past and the present, and an emphasis on moving things forward, as much as they can. - craig haggis


"clean surfers"

Surf Friends are from Auckland, New Zealand. I don’t know how they met, but based on their name and their sound I would guess it was over some conversation that they struck up about fellow New Zealanders the Clean at some point break while waiting for the next set to come in. They’ve put out a slew of singles on Power Tool Records down south and now they have decided to put out a long player which they’re calling Confusion. It rolls with some Krautrock grooves, jangles in a few places and Velvet Underground riffs abound. Derivative you ask? Yes, but it looks to all the right places. - finest kiss


"clean surfers"

Surf Friends are from Auckland, New Zealand. I don’t know how they met, but based on their name and their sound I would guess it was over some conversation that they struck up about fellow New Zealanders the Clean at some point break while waiting for the next set to come in. They’ve put out a slew of singles on Power Tool Records down south and now they have decided to put out a long player which they’re calling Confusion. It rolls with some Krautrock grooves, jangles in a few places and Velvet Underground riffs abound. Derivative you ask? Yes, but it looks to all the right places. - finest kiss


"new music from surf friends"

New Music from Surf Friends
0
Once again, the sounds from New Zealand are just too catchy to escape. While running through Finest Kiss, I hit upon Surf Friends, a great new discovery. They’ve just released their debut album, Confusion, which is chock full of angular guitar riffs and sugary melodies. As I listened to “You’re On My Mind,” I can’t help but feel a little bounce in my step as the pace picks up, the harmonies kick in, and the song takes off. Yea, the rest of the record is just like it! You can get it now from Power Tools Records. - austin town hall


"new music from surf friends"

New Music from Surf Friends
0
Once again, the sounds from New Zealand are just too catchy to escape. While running through Finest Kiss, I hit upon Surf Friends, a great new discovery. They’ve just released their debut album, Confusion, which is chock full of angular guitar riffs and sugary melodies. As I listened to “You’re On My Mind,” I can’t help but feel a little bounce in my step as the pace picks up, the harmonies kick in, and the song takes off. Yea, the rest of the record is just like it! You can get it now from Power Tools Records. - austin town hall


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends - Confusion


Auckland two-piece Surf Friends -- guitarist/singer/drum machine handler etc Brad Coley and bassist/keyboards/singer Pete Westmoreland -- are starting out in almost exactly the same place as the early Clean and Chills whose sound they effectively hijack completely for some tracks on this interesting . . . and eventually quite convincing album.

Produced by Mark Howden -- who keeps things effectively straight-forward to capture their energy -- the album kicks in with Goals ("How I want to achieve my goals") and if one of them was an album that first recalled early Flying Nun but eventually left an original taste, then they've succeeded.

It is in the material that isn't Clean-reference (on Late Night and especially You're On My Mind with a Tally Ho! keyboard part you could be fooled) where they really score: the 10 minute title track at the end notably.

They get out on the periphery with No Oil, an edgy moan over a drone which sounds like experimental outfits like Chrome and Suicide -- alternately they have a barely-there, plaintive "ballad" Rask which is like an antipodean Velvet Underground/genial Lou Reed. And even though Humans is a Clean piece of pop, it has its own charm. Enjoy the Show sounds like David Kilgour sitting in with Flying Lizards.

Certainly there is too much here which follows well-trodden paths, but there is also more than enough hints and suggestions of various possible directions that you may conclude these two - in some form or other -- are going to be worth watching.

Review courtesy of Graham Reid from Elsewhere - elsewhere.co.nz


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends - Confusion


Auckland two-piece Surf Friends -- guitarist/singer/drum machine handler etc Brad Coley and bassist/keyboards/singer Pete Westmoreland -- are starting out in almost exactly the same place as the early Clean and Chills whose sound they effectively hijack completely for some tracks on this interesting . . . and eventually quite convincing album.

Produced by Mark Howden -- who keeps things effectively straight-forward to capture their energy -- the album kicks in with Goals ("How I want to achieve my goals") and if one of them was an album that first recalled early Flying Nun but eventually left an original taste, then they've succeeded.

It is in the material that isn't Clean-reference (on Late Night and especially You're On My Mind with a Tally Ho! keyboard part you could be fooled) where they really score: the 10 minute title track at the end notably.

They get out on the periphery with No Oil, an edgy moan over a drone which sounds like experimental outfits like Chrome and Suicide -- alternately they have a barely-there, plaintive "ballad" Rask which is like an antipodean Velvet Underground/genial Lou Reed. And even though Humans is a Clean piece of pop, it has its own charm. Enjoy the Show sounds like David Kilgour sitting in with Flying Lizards.

Certainly there is too much here which follows well-trodden paths, but there is also more than enough hints and suggestions of various possible directions that you may conclude these two - in some form or other -- are going to be worth watching.

Review courtesy of Graham Reid from Elsewhere - elsewhere.co.nz


"surf friends confusion review"

Hungarian to English translation

Expectations: The Surf Friends of a young New Zealand blogrock-band, the country's largest city, Aucklandbol. The two-member band (plus drum machine) and has all the attributes of what a young New Zealand band-blogrock be expected in late 2010, that is, a lot of members drawn from the country's rich traditions of pop music (not even the praise of Surf Writing Friends of the Flying-et Nun record label and the band without mentioning the Clean), a kindergarten Confusion pszichedlikus cover-up it looks as if the internet would have found, by chance, and you can even here the last time spinning top surfer-theme as well, right. True, the latter pulled up this time is not only a fashion accessory reflex as a fact, as the singer-guitarist Brad Coley's really a tough, sunburnt, surfer dude, not the sort of bespectacled szobazenész, cardigans who only dare to go into the cold water, then he immediately that it is drown

Result: To Surf Friends have a chance (and at all: willingness) to break free from this szubkultúrából, respectively. New Zealand, is still in question, but the framework is doing well. So-called pure. hálószobazenérol are thus faced with a couple of loud, sometimes very catchy songs, slurred in the background, echoing guitar-heavy, and quite often used creatively szintiszonyegekkel, the former tight knit and strong bass-rattling and pounding drum machines. Confusion of the advantage that the hasonnemu productions, like a steady hand to get / create a strong atmosphere (which is not necessarily a certain tengeparti-sun, because it is often compared to the overall picture is surprisingly cool and aloof), and further that this it also has some really great popd, especially the rhythm pattogós Edmund and szörfpopos You're On My Mind. It is also well played, that's really the Surf Friends legnagyobbaktól amatorzenélés watched the ins and outs, the Clean infantile, kiwipunkja organ, the Television Personalities impish, gitárpopja clumsy, or mentioning Lawrence Hayward rural weddings, cheesy drum machines and synthesizers are all reflected in the disc. Then it happens that the Friends think Surf is a bold and szintikbol összemasszatolt and guitars, interesting, exciting, or more of the ambient drone textures toward the adventurous, or for long, repetitive dalszerkezetekkel experimenting, it succeeds very well at some point (I Tried), is when it is not so great (No Oil), and have that awful straight (Are You There). The truth is quite difficult to decide by the end of the disc, just a likable genre productions that we are dealing with, or is there something else in all this potential, and only the title track, with more than ten minutes zárószámnál turns out that yes, perhaps there is still plenty. Confusion of the majestic, long, long minutes through a captivating psychedelic popja, which is not necessarily elsolemezes szobazenészektol people expect, and in itself warrants a sequel.

Who we recommend: Advanced bedrooms western fans. (SZSZCS) - quart


"surf friends confusion review"

Hungarian to English translation

Expectations: The Surf Friends of a young New Zealand blogrock-band, the country's largest city, Aucklandbol. The two-member band (plus drum machine) and has all the attributes of what a young New Zealand band-blogrock be expected in late 2010, that is, a lot of members drawn from the country's rich traditions of pop music (not even the praise of Surf Writing Friends of the Flying-et Nun record label and the band without mentioning the Clean), a kindergarten Confusion pszichedlikus cover-up it looks as if the internet would have found, by chance, and you can even here the last time spinning top surfer-theme as well, right. True, the latter pulled up this time is not only a fashion accessory reflex as a fact, as the singer-guitarist Brad Coley's really a tough, sunburnt, surfer dude, not the sort of bespectacled szobazenész, cardigans who only dare to go into the cold water, then he immediately that it is drown

Result: To Surf Friends have a chance (and at all: willingness) to break free from this szubkultúrából, respectively. New Zealand, is still in question, but the framework is doing well. So-called pure. hálószobazenérol are thus faced with a couple of loud, sometimes very catchy songs, slurred in the background, echoing guitar-heavy, and quite often used creatively szintiszonyegekkel, the former tight knit and strong bass-rattling and pounding drum machines. Confusion of the advantage that the hasonnemu productions, like a steady hand to get / create a strong atmosphere (which is not necessarily a certain tengeparti-sun, because it is often compared to the overall picture is surprisingly cool and aloof), and further that this it also has some really great popd, especially the rhythm pattogós Edmund and szörfpopos You're On My Mind. It is also well played, that's really the Surf Friends legnagyobbaktól amatorzenélés watched the ins and outs, the Clean infantile, kiwipunkja organ, the Television Personalities impish, gitárpopja clumsy, or mentioning Lawrence Hayward rural weddings, cheesy drum machines and synthesizers are all reflected in the disc. Then it happens that the Friends think Surf is a bold and szintikbol összemasszatolt and guitars, interesting, exciting, or more of the ambient drone textures toward the adventurous, or for long, repetitive dalszerkezetekkel experimenting, it succeeds very well at some point (I Tried), is when it is not so great (No Oil), and have that awful straight (Are You There). The truth is quite difficult to decide by the end of the disc, just a likable genre productions that we are dealing with, or is there something else in all this potential, and only the title track, with more than ten minutes zárószámnál turns out that yes, perhaps there is still plenty. Confusion of the majestic, long, long minutes through a captivating psychedelic popja, which is not necessarily elsolemezes szobazenészektol people expect, and in itself warrants a sequel.

Who we recommend: Advanced bedrooms western fans. (SZSZCS) - quart


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends - Confusion Album Review
13 OCT 2010 // A REVIEW BY BELA

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. - music net


"surf friends confusion review"

Surf Friends - Confusion Album Review
13 OCT 2010 // A REVIEW BY BELA

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. - music net


"surf friends confusion review"

REVIEW: SURF FRIENDS – Confusion (Powertool Records)

0


tweets

tweet


I like surprises. I mean, pleasant ones. Like, no-one likes a nasty surprise, do they? Surf Friends are a pleasant surprise. Two guys who are super-enthusiastic and keen and positive, they look like they say they are – like surfers. They make gloriously jangly pop songs like heyday of Flying Nun – proving that you don’t have to be moody or surly or sulk around wearing black to make good music. Quelle Surprise! Melodic, moody, reverbs and good times – what more can a boy/girl ask for? Great debut album! - review by Andrew Tidball, courtesy of the Eavesdrop Listening Party

[October 13, 2010] Comments (1) - cheese on toast


"surf friends confusion review"

REVIEW: SURF FRIENDS – Confusion (Powertool Records)

0


tweets

tweet


I like surprises. I mean, pleasant ones. Like, no-one likes a nasty surprise, do they? Surf Friends are a pleasant surprise. Two guys who are super-enthusiastic and keen and positive, they look like they say they are – like surfers. They make gloriously jangly pop songs like heyday of Flying Nun – proving that you don’t have to be moody or surly or sulk around wearing black to make good music. Quelle Surprise! Melodic, moody, reverbs and good times – what more can a boy/girl ask for? Great debut album! - review by Andrew Tidball, courtesy of the Eavesdrop Listening Party

[October 13, 2010] Comments (1) - cheese on toast


"surf friends debut album confusion"

PT104: SURF FRIENDS - CONFUSION (CD ALBUM) 2010

From Surf Friends formation in early 2009 songs have flowed blending the early
indie sounds of Flying Nun bands such as The Clean with new experimental waves
of No Age and Deerhunter. Surf Friends are driving a new alternative sound.

Surf Friends are Brad Coley (guitar, vocals, keys, harmonica, drum machine), Pete
Westmoreland (bass, keys, vocals).

Two bandmates with a massive sound. Surf Friends have often been compared to
Joy Division and New Order. Whilst they happily bounce along with dancebeats not
unlike New Order, they also share the darkness of Joy Division or Suicide. The
immense energy from their live show of reverberating guitars, bass, synth keyboard
and looped samples have been wonderfully captured on this new album.

After releasing their self-titled EP last year that took the lads to Wellington, Surf
Friends followed it up with a full New Zealand tour in December 2009 with American
indie rockers The Black Watch. 2010 has seen them working hard recording their
debut album, honing their live show and releasing, no less than four singles to radio in
anticipation for the new album.All have received good radio air play on the B-Net
stations and Kiwi fm. Success has also been enjoyed on the Kiwi fm Top Ten with
'Your On My Mind' reaching the number three spot..

Surf Friends Debut album entitled 'Confusion' was recorded at the Depot Artspace in
Devonport and produced by Mark Howden. It is scheduled for release on the11th
October 2010. A full New Zealand tour begins on the 8th Oct and runs through until
the 30th.Keep an eye on the gig guides or check out the full itinery on the Powertool
Records website.

Contact:
Andrew Maitai
Powertool Records
Email: andrew@powertoolrecords.co.nz
Ph: 0274492587
www.powertoolrecords.co.nz
www.powertoolrecords.co.nz/surffriends
www.myspace.com/surffriends
www.surffriendsband.com
- andrew matai


"surf friends gigs in hunterville"


Surf Friends instore gig at Lucky in Hunterville
Posted by MikeP on 22 September 2010 | 0 Comments Tags: surf friends, lucky, brother love, hunterville This weekend I drove up to Hunterville with some mates to drop off some of our NZ Indie Mixtape's to a new store called Lucky that has opened there. It's a really cool shop - all sorts of cool stuff: clothes, books, furniture and a very nice selection of NZ music. I was also keen to check out one of MusicHy.pe's favourite bands, Surf Friends do an instore performance.Braving torrential rain and stormy weather conditions, Surf Friends arrived around 3pm and put on a stellar show despite the conditions. The band is consists of Pete Westmoreland on bass and Brad Coley on guitar and vocals, with the rest of the sound made up by drum sequencers, effects pedals and keyboards shared between them.Their sound is somewhere between the Jesus & Mary Chain, Wavves and The Clean, a sound that gives them an updated Dunedin-era Flying Nun kinda sound. (Have a listen to free track "I Tried" for an idea of what they sound like.) Really cool stuff - great originals with kick ass choruses and dancy beats. They also put on repeat performance at the nearby Argyle Hotel later that night, proving that their great live show is no fluke.Brother Love were on next but sadly I missed them (really sorry guys, I'm still gutted about that) - they put on a top shelf rock 'n roll show by all accounts. Listen to them rock out here.Hunterville totally rocks, man - who knew? Be sure to check out Lucky next time you're heading through - there's only a handful of shops there, you can't miss it :-)And be sure to check out Surf Friends on their upcoming national tour in support of their new album. We're going to have some cool Surf Friends goodies available in out shop too - stay tuned. Check out a full list of Surf Friends tour dates here - not to be missed.Thanks to Georgie at Lucky for inviting us up, and of course to the lads in the band for putting on a great show!Surf Friends Official SiteSurf Friends on MyspaceSurf Friends on Facebook - music hype


"surf friends gigs in hunterville"


Surf Friends instore gig at Lucky in Hunterville
Posted by MikeP on 22 September 2010 | 0 Comments Tags: surf friends, lucky, brother love, hunterville This weekend I drove up to Hunterville with some mates to drop off some of our NZ Indie Mixtape's to a new store called Lucky that has opened there. It's a really cool shop - all sorts of cool stuff: clothes, books, furniture and a very nice selection of NZ music. I was also keen to check out one of MusicHy.pe's favourite bands, Surf Friends do an instore performance.Braving torrential rain and stormy weather conditions, Surf Friends arrived around 3pm and put on a stellar show despite the conditions. The band is consists of Pete Westmoreland on bass and Brad Coley on guitar and vocals, with the rest of the sound made up by drum sequencers, effects pedals and keyboards shared between them.Their sound is somewhere between the Jesus & Mary Chain, Wavves and The Clean, a sound that gives them an updated Dunedin-era Flying Nun kinda sound. (Have a listen to free track "I Tried" for an idea of what they sound like.) Really cool stuff - great originals with kick ass choruses and dancy beats. They also put on repeat performance at the nearby Argyle Hotel later that night, proving that their great live show is no fluke.Brother Love were on next but sadly I missed them (really sorry guys, I'm still gutted about that) - they put on a top shelf rock 'n roll show by all accounts. Listen to them rock out here.Hunterville totally rocks, man - who knew? Be sure to check out Lucky next time you're heading through - there's only a handful of shops there, you can't miss it :-)And be sure to check out Surf Friends on their upcoming national tour in support of their new album. We're going to have some cool Surf Friends goodies available in out shop too - stay tuned. Check out a full list of Surf Friends tour dates here - not to be missed.Thanks to Georgie at Lucky for inviting us up, and of course to the lads in the band for putting on a great show!Surf Friends Official SiteSurf Friends on MyspaceSurf Friends on Facebook - music hype


"surf friends single"

Also with an EP out on Powertool are Surf Friends, another duo but this time based around a more traditional vocals, guitar, bass, keys and drums set-up, but given there's only two of them Surf Friends drumming duties are handled by a machine... I do like their guitar and keyboard sound which move between chugging Flying Nun and shimmering post-punk. As well as the self-titled EP Surf Friends have just released a new single 'Your On my Mind'. - counting the beat


"surf friends ep"

SURF FRIENDS: Surf Friends EP
By Simon Sweetman
There is a blast of Kilgour-esque guitar and we’re off and into Life With You, the first of four short, sharp tracks on this EP of angular guitars that are low slung and slurred vocals that are spoken as much as they are sung. Brad Coley, Kelly Davis and Peter Westmoreland formed Surf Friends in early 2009 – the mutual love of Flying Nun legends The Clean and surfing being what brought them together. You will hear glimpses of The Verlaines too – perhaps most noticeably on third track Small Things. It’s nice to hear the minimal approach of Davis as a drummer; more a percussionist, adding textures, flavours and touches – rather than driving every song home with a predictable ride cymbal shimmer and standard eight-note beat with the two and four marked on the snare and one and three on the bass. Surf Friends have a nice simple formula, allowing the Lou Reed-styled guitars to ring out loud and proud – happily acknowledging their most obvious influence – but still creating something that is memorable. I like this wee EP a lot. I’m keen to hear more. - new zealand musician


Discography

1st Single (Endorphins): Chance
Double-single: Sunny Day & Sun Raw
Debut Album: Confusion
4th Single (Confusion): Edmund
3rd Single (Confusion): Human
2nd Single (Confusion): You’re On My Mind
1st Single (Confusion): I Tried
Debut EP: Self Titled

Photos

Bio

SURF FRIENDS

From Surf Friends formation in early 2009 songs have flowed blending the alternative pop sounds of Flying Nun bands such as The Clean with new experimental waves of No Age and Deerhunter. Surf Friends are driving a new alternative pop dance sound.

Surf Friends are Brad Coley (guitar, vocals, keys, synth, drum machine), Pete Westmoreland (bass, keys, vocals).

Two bandmates with a massive sound. Surf Friends have often been compared to Joy Division and New Order. They have
immense energy in their live performance where you'll find reverberating guitars, bass, synth, keyboard, looped samples, a solid drumbeat and vocals that'll get you dancing.

After releasing their self-titled EP in 2009, the following year they released their debut album 'Confusion.' Having toured and played many shows with amazing bands since these releases the duo managed to sneak in a double-single release 'Sunny Day' & 'Sun Raw' in April 2012 while working hard on their sophomore album 'Endorphins.' Endorphins is set to be released late 2013 on legendary record label Flying Nun Records and backed up with a full national tour of New Zealand.

The first single 'Chance' off their upcoming sophomore album was released in July 2013 and has been well received, with solid air play on 95bfm. It was number 1 on 95bfm Top Ten for three weeks in a row and a total of six consecutive weeks in the top ten.

'Endorphins' will be released Friday 15th November 2013 on Flying Nun Records with the release show set at Auckland's Lucha Lounge the following evening, also marking the start of the bands national tour that will stretch across the country into early December. Keep an eye on the gig guides or check out the full itinerary along with vids and other info on the bands website at www.surffriendsmusic.com

Contact:
Matthew Davis
Flying Nun Records
w: flyingnunrecords.co.nz
e: matthew@flyingnunrecords.co.nz
e: surffriendsband@gmail.com
p: 022 0734819 (Pete)
w: surffriendsmusic.com