It's hard to talk about The Surfrajettes without invoking their forebears, the surf-rock bands of the 1960s, whose reverb-soaked guitars, propulsive drumming, and catchy melodies defined the genre. But The Surfrajettes are not just some throwback tribute act. They take the surf sound and infuse it with their own energy and attitude, creating music that is both reverent to the past and excitingly modern.
One thing that immediately sets The Surfrajettes apart from their predecessors is that they are an all-female band. While women have been a part of the surf scene from its earliest days, they have often been relegated to supporting roles, playing rhythm guitar or singing backup vocals. The Surfrajettes, on the other hand, are front and center, shredding on lead guitar, holding down the beat on drums, and harmonizing on vocals. They are a reminder that women have always been an integral part of surf music, and that they continue to shape and innovate the genre today.
On their album, 2022's "Roller Fink, " The Surfrajettes showcase their skills and versatility. From the opening track, "Warm Up," with its infectious riff, to the calming and classic closer, "Snowball," the band serves up one catchy tune after another. They inject their music with their own personalities and interests, drawing on a wide range of influences beyond surf.
The spooky, minor-key "Cha Cha Heels" sounds like a lost track from a 1960s horror movie soundtrack, while "Cha Wailey Routa" has a psychedelic, Middle Eastern feel. "The Gremmie" is a playful ode to the surf lingo of the past, while "El Toro" is a fierce, Spanish-inspired instrumental that shows off the band's technical chops.
One of the most striking things about The Surfrajettes is their ability to create a mood with their music. Whether it's the sultry, late-night vibe of "Cha Cha Heels" or the pure, unadulterated fun of "Party Line," they know how to transport the listener to a specific time and place. And of course, no surf band would be complete without a sense of adventure and danger, which The Surfrajettes provide in spades with songs like "Toxique" and "El Toro."
The Surfrajettes are also notable for their live shows, which are a high-energy blast of surf goodness. The band's chemistry is palpable on stage, as they bounce off each other and interact with the crowd. And despite the inherent limitations of being an instrumental band (i.e. no lyrics to sing along to), they have a knack for getting the audience engaged and dancing along. It's clear that they love what they do and want to share that joy with their fans.
It's worth noting that The Surfrajettes are part of a larger movement of women in surf music. While the genre has traditionally been male-dominated, there are a growing number of female surf bands making waves (no pun intended). Acts like La Luz, The Aquadolls, and The Bomboras are just a few examples of the thriving scene. And while it's tempting to view these bands through the lens of "girl power" or "feminism," it's important to remember that they are simply talented musicians who happen to be women.
Comments