With summer swimming along, a double album release of aqueous proportions could not be more fitting. Both Pacific Air’s Stop Talking and Surfer Blood’s Pythons debuted on the same day earlier this June. The pleasantly nautical dose of airy indie pop and loud surf rock will make a vital addition to your growing summer playlists.
Pacific Air
Brothers Ryan and Taylor Lawhon front this buzzing California band. Despite the young band’s debut status, smooth sounds on Stop Talking and their tireless touring merit attention. Opening for big name bands like Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club, Walk the Moon and Ra Ra Riot proves the boys are here to stay. Although Pacific Air enchanted Chicago a few times already, you can catch them again August 2 at Lollapalooza, just one of the many music festivals our city has to offer this summer.
My top tracks from Stop Talking: “Float”, “Move” and “Play Nice”
Surfer Blood
This Florida foursome returns with their 2nd full-length album, Pythons, just in time for summer days and awesome waves. Beachy guitar riffs and unpredictable vocal veers allow tracks to tread through choppy and chill. Recently opening for Foals in May, these guys know how to kick-start an instant cool. Ride their album out to explore the band’s fresh vibes and see them live this September 14 at Riot Fest, Chicago’s three-day alternative music carnival.
My top tracks from Pythons: “Demon Dance”, “Gravity” and “Say Yes to Me”