BLACK SURF – Lights Out (2023)
With a mutual passion for the 1990s, Ali Epstone (vocals and guitar), Phil Jones (guitar), Tom Ramsden (bass) and Tom Moore (drums) came together to form the band BLACK SURF. Transcending time, the lads grab the 90s by the hand and drag it into the 21st century set to revive the decade for modern-day listeners. The band may be relatively new with only one single beneath their belt, but they are turning heads far beyond their UK borders. From the USA to Australia, Russia to Brazil, and Portugal to Poland, BLACK SURF garner a following on various blogs, radio stations and playlists. Come with us as we delve into their debut single ‘Lights Out’.
Recorded and produced at Greenmount Studios with Lee Smith, ‘Lights Out’ is one of the first tracks off BLACK SURF’s upcoming EP Make Friends With Hell. Leaning toward the iconic pop-rock band Weezer, but with a hint of McFly woven into the melody, BLACK SURF heads back to the 90s and early 2000s in ‘Lights Out’. Heavier than Weezer’s ‘Island In The Sun’ but lighter than ‘Hash Pipe’, the lads find a balance between mellifluous flow and harsh rock in their debut song.
Pounding drums match scorching guitars in ‘Lights Out’ with gruffness to Epstone’s vocals. Yet, while each of the instruments comes together as a harmonic whole, the distorted soundscape ensures each element is offered due attention. Jones and Epstone give an angsty but bold kick to ‘Lights Out’ while Ramsden slides in with a punctuating bass. Moore’s drums crash behind but simultaneously stand their own as a pulsating beat. Beautifully textured, the production quality shows true sophistication.
While the song is slathered in electronic haziness with a grunge chaser, the band explains that ‘Lights Out’ is “by far the most organic song…lyrically”. Described as “an unrequited love song”, there is a raw vulnerability lurking within the sophisticated production. Epstone’s vocals bring a haunting melancholy touching on intricate experiences of romance; perhaps it is this that enhances the sense of fragility in its angsty sonic bubble.
Sincere, honest and filled with introspection, BLACK SURF hit the ground running with ‘Lights Out’.
Find out more about BLACK SURF on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustianablecurator
