Surf Curse is a musical duo that originated in Reno, Nevada, and is currently based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of members Nick Rattigan and Jacob Rubeck, who met in high school and began creating music together in 2010. Surf Curse is known for their unique style that combines elements of surf rock, post-punk, and lo-fi indie pop. They have gained a following for their eccentric melodies and heartfelt lyrics that often touch on themes of love, youth, and existential ponderings. One of the defining characteristics of Surf Curse's music is their use of melodramatic and catchy melodies. Their songs are filled with memorable hooks and infectious guitar riffs that stay with the listener long after the song has ended.
Featured Image: Jake Paterson
Having lead from the drum kit throughout, Rattigan swapped roles to become a visceral frontman for set closer Disco , leaning into the frenzied crowd and belting the lyrics out into the air, being met with the mirror of the crowd screaming them right back. There was no judgment or hostility amongst fans and it made it seem natural for many to dance on stage; these people weren t just fans but family, all there for the sole purpose of music.
Their songs are filled with memorable hooks and infectious guitar riffs that stay with the listener long after the song has ended. This ability to create infectious melodies is what sets Surf Curse apart from other bands in the indie music scene. In addition to their melodies, Surf Curse is also known for their eccentric style.
Review: Surf Curse @ SWX
Sprawling through nostalgic portraits in an iridescent glow of indie-punk, Surf Curse threw SWX into a frenzy.
10 October 2022 . 9:00 AM 2 min read- Share on Twitter
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By Jake Paterson, Co-Deputy Music Editor
Clad in more denim per square mile than any band I’ve seen grace a stage in Bristol before, the Nevada outfit Surf Curse brought the energy of their adolescent bond to a polished and rapturous set off the back of their one-day-old record, Magic Hour.
After claiming that “time isn’t real” within the space of a few songs, the nostalgia imbued within tracks like ‘Lost Honour’ and ‘I’m Not Making Out With You’ attested to a sense of coming of age in a southern US state’s suburban sprawl. Surf Curse scream the emo trope of knowing everyone in your hometown and being held together by the mates that took you through every awkward relationship and legendary night out.
The unity of each band member was a constant, demonstrated by drummer and lead singer Nick Rattigan leading almost psychopathically. Rolling through new tracks like ‘Sugar’ and the cathartic ‘Unwell’ saw no departure from the seamless style of having played songs like ‘Heathers’ and ‘In My Head Till I’m Dead’ for almost a decade. Life flowed through the band and their songs cast out a desire that was almost tactile.
Surf Curse / Jake Paterson
I was apprehensive of the type of people turning up for a Surf Curse show, given that ‘Freaks’ has amassed over 500 million streams online after blowing up on TikTok, but as soon as someone was pulled out of the crowd by security for smoking a hand-rolled cigarette I knew I was in good company.
Whilst waiting for the band to come on we cheered for someone playing Geometry Dash held up on their phone at the barrier, and the crowd ranged from old rockers in baseball caps and plaid shirts to groups of girls clearly not at their first rodeo. The place was bouncing with frenetic energy from sharp indie-rock riffs to head-banging emo choruses. ‘Freaks’, in the end, threw everyone into an insatiable mosh.
Surf Curse / Jake Paterson
Having lead from the drum kit throughout, Rattigan swapped roles to become a visceral frontman for set closer ‘Disco’, leaning into the frenzied crowd and belting the lyrics out into the air, being met with the mirror of the crowd screaming them right back. To be as dynamic on a drum kit as you are in the arms of those at the barrier said everything that needed to be said about my first outing at the newly renovated venue. Long may the energy of this night continue into the dark days of winter ahead.
Featured Image: Jake Paterson
After claiming that “time isn’t real” within the space of a few songs, the nostalgia imbued within tracks like ‘Lost Honour’ and ‘I’m Not Making Out With You’ attested to a sense of coming of age in a southern US state’s suburban sprawl. Surf Curse scream the emo trope of knowing everyone in your hometown and being held together by the mates that took you through every awkward relationship and legendary night out.
Their music is often described as nostalgic, with a vintage feel that harks back to the surf rock and doo-wop music of the 1960s. However, they add their own modern twist to the genre, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Surf Curse's lyrics also play a significant role in their appeal. Their songs often touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and coming-of-age, making them relatable to a wide range of listeners. The duo's ability to convey complex emotions through their lyrics is what makes their music so powerful and resonant. Overall, Surf Curse's eccentric melodies are a key component of their unique sound. Their ability to craft catchy hooks and memorable guitar riffs sets them apart from other bands in the indie music scene. Combined with their nostalgic style and relatable lyrics, Surf Curse's music is a treat for fans of surf rock, post-punk, and lo-fi indie pop..
Reviews for "Exploring Surf Curse's Eccentric Melodies: An Escape from the Ordinary"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to listen to the Surf Curse eccentric melodies album, as I had heard many great things about it. However, I was severely disappointed. The melodies felt disjointed and lacked cohesiveness, making it difficult to get into the songs. Additionally, the vocals were often off-key and grating to listen to. Overall, I found the album to be a messy and unpleasant listening experience.
2. Kelly - 1 star - I don't understand what people see in Surf Curse eccentric melodies. The songs are repetitive and lack any originality. It feels like they're just recycling the same tired indie rock formula without adding anything new or interesting. The whole album bored me to tears, and I found myself constantly skipping ahead to find something more worthwhile. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Surf Curse eccentric melodies was a disappointment for me. The lyrics were shallow and uninspiring, and the song structures were predictable. It felt like an album that was trying too hard to be edgy and alternative, but ended up being entirely forgettable. I listened to it once and haven't had the desire to revisit it since. There are much better indie rock albums out there that are worth your attention.
4. Alex - 3 stars - While I appreciate the experimentation and eccentricity of Surf Curse in their album "eccentric melodies," I found it to be overwhelming at times. The excessive use of unconventional sounds and erratic song structures made it difficult for me to connect with the music on a deeper level. Despite its unique approach, it ultimately left me feeling confused and detached from the songs. I can see how some people might enjoy the boldness of this album, but it wasn't for me.