After seeing Surfer Blood four times already since their emergence on the indie music scene, and being a big fan of their music from the start, it was with great despondency than ever since a roaring debut at Koko last February, their live shows have gone down hill since there.
Catching them again in the UK since, plus twice in the States, they hit a low point at SXSW, where playing their own label show they came across as remarkably arrogant, an attitude that far outstripped their fame and status, seemingly barely enthused to play too.
Still in love with debut album Astro Coast, when it came to their show at the Lexington last night it was quite a last chance saloon, but they were moving that way.
Whether they’ve just been touring too much, or have simply lost a bit of the thirst for music or their current songs, last night the band still didn’t really look like they wanted to be there. It was a performance by the numbers, although towards the end of the set, frontman J.P. Pitts and co. at last started to put a little emphasis into each song.
Running through fan-favourites Twin Peaks, Swim (To Reach The End) and Anchorage, bar an ill-advised on-stage demeanour copy of The Drums lead singer Jonathan Pierce during Take It Easy, it was, however, a step in the right direction. Their Lexington set had a bit more verve to it, even if they weren’t back to their best. Hopefully they can get a good dose of rest before the next time they’re back, and really go for it like they used to.