Return of the Surf Rock
M. Buisman | Amsterdam | 03/12/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Good to hear that some young dudes in the US are listening to some good old garage rock with their guitar amps turned to 11 on the treble/reverb. Guys who like music but could probably work with you in the office doing some boring desk job, but with a side that not everyone at the workplace knows about.
The Drums have had some success with their phenomenal single "Let's Go Surfing". Album is good, but at times too poppy. Surfer Blood will be discussed in a later post about their great "Astro Coast" album. Their "Swim" single is currently riding high in the Explorer 23.
Two weeks ago the Soft Pack played a very short and energetic show in the Paradiso upstairs room (That's in Amsterdam). 40 minutes, almost no breaks, loud and fast and with no encore. That is rock and roll like it should be.
Their self-titled debut-album is a wonderful collection of garagesurfrock. Starting with the single 'C'mon' (sing along everyone!) and 9 other great tracks the album clocks just over half an hour. Perfect length for this type of music. There's great rhythm and some nice twangy guitar riffs. And of course the surf-organ is present adding some authenticity to the record.
Garage Rock and surf rock prop up about every 15 years and it's good to see that a music style that is based on just a few chords and an abundance of energy still lasts and is still reinvented to fit the 21st century. Drums, Soft Pack and Surfer Blood are certainly doing that. Going to be the summer of surf!"
Powerpop pleasure
Michael Lekas | Seattle, WA | 03/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Made a nice discovery with The Soft Pack today. Energetic and well played, this album entertains with consistent energy throughout. I find some similarities with early (and rocking) REM, both in their harmonies and energy, but there are also hints of alt rock (Aztec Camera, Cure,), surf punk, ska, 60s garage rock... this album has a lot to offer. Every song has a great hook, such that it's easier to remember the music than it is the name of the band."