Long ago, the land down under spawned one-of-a-kind first-wave punk and noise bands like The Clean and The Dead C. Now, decades later, Flying Nun Records’ initial sound is back, resurrected by the jangly, dark-fi Auckland, New Zealand band, Surf City (Surf City is actually on record labels Arch Hill Recordings/Pop Frenzy/Morr Music).
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s because Josh Kennedy (guitar), Jamie Kennedy (bass/vocals), Davin Stoddard (guitar/vocals) and Logan Collins (drums) went by “Kill Surf City” up until the release of their self-titled EP in 2008 (Morr Music). The four lads condensed the overt Jesus and Mary Chain moniker after discovering another band previously claimed the title. Fortunately, that’s the only change, as their music is still filled with plenty of fuzz, 80s happy bobbiness and psych rock guitar. To experience the full effect of their garage-recorded tunes, check out “Dickshakers Union” and “Records of A Flagpole Skater.” The band is sporadically playing venues across the country, but keep on the lookout for an expected tour.
photos by Carolina Rivera
Live at The Cutting Room Studios NYC
