Surf Curse is an American surf punk duo formed in Reno, Nevada in 2013. The band consists of guitarist and vocalist Jacob Rubeck and drummer and backing vocalist Nicholas Rattigan. Surf Curse has gained a significant following due to their unique blend of surf rock, punk, and lo-fi indie pop. Throughout their career, Surf Curse has released several notable albums and EPs. One of their most well-known works is their debut album, "Buds," released in 2013. This album features a collection of songs that embody the band's signature sound, characterized by catchy guitar riffs, melodic vocals, and lo-fi production.
After a quick fifteen minutes between sets, which likely was the consequence of the intimate venue, Surf Curse swiftly took to the stage. “Good evening Boston! Or shall I say, Medford… same thing…” said Jacob Rubeck, the band’s rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist, giving us a warm welcome. There was a bit of banter here and there between the members, but before we knew it, Nick Rattigan, drummer and lead vocalist (also the face of Current Joys), started off the night with “All Is Lost”, the perfect song to begin their set with. The entire track is a rush of energy that reverberated throughout the crowd, not leaving a single person in the room standing still. Throughout the set, they didn’t disappoint and inspired crowd sing-alongs, keeping the momentum high. There was never a low point of energy in the crowd, it was a constant moshing, jumping, and dancing by the concert-goers. The other two members of the band, Henry Dillon (bass) and Noah Kholl (lead guitar) contributed to the great performances of Rattigan and Rubeck.
Rubeck mentioned that the first-ever concert they were booked for was in Boston, but unfortunately, the cops showed up to the house venue and shut things down before they could perform. They later mentioned that their real first show took place in Providence, and the rest of the members smiled and nodded along, reminiscing about moments that happened almost a decade ago.
This album features a collection of songs that embody the band's signature sound, characterized by catchy guitar riffs, melodic vocals, and lo-fi production. The tracks on "Buds" explore themes of love, youth, and self-discovery, resonating with a generation of listeners seeking relatable and authentic music. Another notable set of songs by Surf Curse is their EP, "Sad Boys," released in 2014.
Surf Curse at Deep Cuts, 9/16/23
My first encounter with Surf Curse was in 2015, a couple of years after they had released their hit single “Freaks” in 2013. That happened to be the year I really started to get into indie music, and that song propelled me to dive in further. In the summer of 2021, I started going to local shows in my hometown of Miami. I celebrated my 18th birthday with a house show, where I remember watching one of the Miami scene favorites Scarlett Hearts cover “Freaks.” I couldn’t wait to see that song performed by Surf Curse at one of their concerts, and I made a promise to myself I would see them that I finally fulfilled here in Boston.
I always get a great feeling going to a venue for the first time. You don’t know what the space is going to look like or feel like, and you never know what crowd you’re going to encounter. As I walked in, the space was already filled to the brim, and mind you, Deep Cuts isn’t the biggest venue, so I knew I was in for an intimate night with the bands. People of all ages were there to see Surf Curse, most wearing merch old and new, mixing older fans with newcomers like myself.
Brutus VIII was set to take the stage before Surf Curse. When he came on the crowd went wild, and I could only imagine it was going to be significantly more intense when Surf Curse took the stage. All of his songs started off with pre-recorded spoken word passages, crossing into performance art and directly reaching the hearts of the audience. His music also intensely rejects the concept of soft indie rock, breaking into lengthy fits of no-wave experimentation. It was new to me, and the way he was able to capture the crowd with his performance was powerful. Every once in a while, he would jump off the stage and mosh with us, erasing the divide between him, the stage, and the concert-goers. His vocals and abrasiveness almost reminded me of Bristol rockers IDLES, with something in the color of his voice that reminded me of them. As his set came to an end, I could already feel the crowd getting riled up for Surf Curse.
I had to somehow make my way to the front of the pit to get some good coverage for the night. As I started, I reached a point where I was almost at the stage, but the crowd wouldn’t budge anymore. Their feet were planted on the ground, getting ready to sing along and dance to Surf Curse.
After a quick fifteen minutes between sets, which likely was the consequence of the intimate venue, Surf Curse swiftly took to the stage. “Good evening Boston! Or shall I say, Medford… same thing…” said Jacob Rubeck, the band’s rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist, giving us a warm welcome. There was a bit of banter here and there between the members, but before we knew it, Nick Rattigan, drummer and lead vocalist (also the face of Current Joys), started off the night with “All Is Lost”, the perfect song to begin their set with. The entire track is a rush of energy that reverberated throughout the crowd, not leaving a single person in the room standing still. Throughout the set, they didn’t disappoint and inspired crowd sing-alongs, keeping the momentum high. There was never a low point of energy in the crowd, it was a constant moshing, jumping, and dancing by the concert-goers. The other two members of the band, Henry Dillon (bass) and Noah Kholl (lead guitar) contributed to the great performances of Rattigan and Rubeck.
Around the third or fourth song, I saw a small opening and took it as my only chance to get right up against the stage. And of course, I pushed through (politely, I promise), and finally right at the source of the action. There was a moment when Rattigan looked at the “press pit” (a bunch of photographers kneeling by the stage trying to avoid getting pushed onto the stage by the crowd), and said “I feel so special, like if people actually care about us, or something…” The crowd responded with shouts of “Of course we love you!” and the band proceeded to share some anecdotes in return, maybe out of gratitude. Rubeck mentioned that the first-ever concert they were booked for was in Boston, but unfortunately, the cops showed up to the house venue and shut things down before they could perform. They later mentioned that their real first show took place in Providence, and the rest of the members smiled and nodded along, reminiscing about moments that happened almost a decade ago.
After a couple more songs, I made my way back to the tail end of the crowd, making sure my camera wasn’t getting hit by moshers, and enjoyed the rest of the concert from there. It's incredible how the crowd remained tireless, maintaining their energy one song after another, and you could tell the band was having the time of their lives playing together, with the biggest smiles on their faces, playing with so much energy, dancing along with the crowd. Suddenly, between songs, there was a much longer pause than usual. Were there technical problems? Did the band need a break? Nope, they were just preparing the crowd, growing suspense. That's when I knew to take out my phone and record this special moment.
I fulfilled the promise I made to myself 2 years ago, and I finally heard “Freaks” live, from the one and only Surf Curse themselves. It was such a special moment, that I decided to capture some of it for myself, and then put my phone away to enjoy with the rest of the people there. Several people stage-dived, creating a crowd-surfing frenzy in the tight space, and the surrealness felt like a scene out of a movie.
As the song came to an end, I assumed that the show would be over. But no, they kept playing, giving the fans everything they wanted. Once they announced that they were about to play their final song of the night, they followed up with a “just kidding” and played a sped-up cover of “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath. That really got everyone moving (as if they ever stopped). They then closed the night with their other hit “Disco,” making it a perfect ending to the evening. They stretched out the song as if they didn’t want to stop playing, soaking up the ecstasy of being on stage. But unfortunately, the night had come to an end. As they walked off stage, they were bombarded with shouts of “I love you,” “We miss you already,” and “You guys are the best!” from the crowd, with the band thanking them and blowing kisses to the concertgoers. They gave away their handwritten setlists, said many thanks once more, and just like that, disappeared into the back of the venue.
I had to somehow make my way to the front of the pit to get some good coverage for the night. As I started, I reached a point where I was almost at the stage, but the crowd wouldn’t budge anymore. Their feet were planted on the ground, getting ready to sing along and dance to Surf Curse.
As the title suggests, this collection of songs delves into deeper and darker emotions, touching on themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and existential questioning. The lyrics of the songs in "Sad Boys" are introspective and introspective, showcasing the band's ability to connect with their audience on a deeply emotional level. In 2017, Surf Curse released their album "Nothing Yet," which further solidified their position in the indie music scene. This album features a more polished sound compared to their earlier works while still maintaining their signature surf punk style. The songs on "Nothing Yet" tackle a range of topics, including anxiety, relationships, and the struggles of growing up. The album showcases the band's growth and maturation, both musically and lyrically. Surf Curse has garnered a dedicated fan base due to their captivating live performances and relatable songwriting. Their music resonates with listeners who appreciate their ability to capture the essence of youthful experiences and emotions. With each release, Surf Curse continues to evolve and experiment with their sound while staying true to their surf punk roots. In conclusion, Surf Curse's set of songs encompasses a unique blend of surf rock, punk, and lo-fi indie pop. They have released several notable albums and EPs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Their music resonates with listeners who appreciate their relatable lyrics and captivating live performances. Surf Curse continues to grow and experiment with their sound while maintaining their signature style..
Reviews for "Surf Curse's Set of Songs: A Soothing Escape from the Real World"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found Surf Curse's set of songs to be not my cup of tea. While I appreciate their unique style and attempts to push boundaries, I couldn't connect with their music. The lyrics were often hard to decipher and the instrumentals felt disjointed and chaotic. Overall, it was a confusing and underwhelming experience for me.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with Surf Curse's set of songs. The vocals were grating and lacked any real emotion, making it hard to engage with the music. The songs themselves felt repetitive and lacked depth, leaving me completely unimpressed. I simply couldn't find any redeeming qualities in their music.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - Surf Curse's set of songs left me feeling underwhelmed. While I understand the appeal of their lo-fi sound and the way they capture a specific atmosphere, I found the songs to be lacking substance. The lyrics felt superficial and at times juvenile, and the music didn't offer anything new or innovative. Overall, it felt like a forgettable experience that didn't leave a lasting impression.
4. John - 2/5 stars - I was not impressed with Surf Curse's set of songs. While I can acknowledge their talent and the effort put into their music, I found it to be too monotonous and repetitive. The lack of variety in their sound made it difficult for me to stay engaged throughout the set. Despite some catchy hooks, the songs failed to resonate with me on a deeper level.