Surfer Girl has never had much trouble making music that sounds good in the sun. But with their latest album, Midnight, the California-based collective proves it can hold down that same appeal with a little darkness. Led by Carter Reeves, former frontman of Aer, Midnight weaves hip hop into more reggae-rooted instrumentals this time around than the band’s previous albums Sunrise, Noon, and Sunset.
That said, not everything is easygoing after dark…
“Wrangler” — the first track on the album featuring the talents of Jack Pavlina — opens with classic SoCal energy: cruisin’ down the 5, lightin’ up a blunt, gettin’ the girl, etc. It even mentions San Diego, which my bias approves. “Easy Tiger” and “Eavesdrop” continue on in the California reggae realm — the latter complete with bubble organ. For fans of Slightly Stoopid, you’ll wanna get “Eavesdrop” on your rotation STAT.
“Sober” downshifts a bit, talking the realities of constant daydreaming and escaping into substances. Similarly, “Lose Touch” trades some of the album’s carefree energy for a more introspective approach. Despite both tracks touching on real problems, their pop and ska melodies are too magnetic to be a buzz-kill.
Surfer Girl turns the mood back around a bit next. Chivalry isn’t dead, ladies — go ahead and wear Surfer Girl’s jacket out! However, the swoon-fest is short-lived with “Bottom Of The Pool” up next, stating that the girl got away. Sigh. Guess it’s time to get “Smoked Out” with Wiz Khalifa…
From there, ‘Midnight’ continues to wander.
“Hummingbird” offers contemplative passages over a simple melody, while “Lagoon” pushes into more dream pop territory. What’s real interesting, at least to me, is the two-part “Winter In New England” sequence: Part 1 is ambient, with soft indie soft rock sounds and woozy guitars, while Part 2 then bursts forth at the listener, like spring couldn’t come sooner. As a southern California transplant that remembers harsh winter months, I can see how the two parts can coexist.
“Slow Motion” closes the record out with dreamy vocals — the clock just struck midnight! Enter the wee hours of the morning, where you’re either in bed or up to no good. Is the next installment in the series 4AM for Surfer Girl? Only time will tell — pun most definitely intended.
Check out Midnight on all digital outlets today or buy a physical copy via the links below!
Surfer Girl – “Smoked Out”, feat. Wiz Khalifa
Track listing:
- Wrangler, feat. Jack Pavlina
- Easy Tiger, feat. Dylan Cotrone
- Eavesdrop
- Sober
- Lose Touch
- Wear It Out
- Bottom Of The Pool
- Smoked Out, feat. Wiz Khalifa
- Hummingbird
- Lagoon
- Chestnut Hill
- Winter In New England, Pt. 1
- Winter In New England, Pt. 2
- Priorities
- Slow Motion
Stream ‘Midnight’ on Spotify:
Cover photography by @kabreah.nicole
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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