By: Tony Wilson
Attention shoegazers! Hey, if you took a moment to look up from the laces then consider yourself in luck! Why? Well, because fuzz pop all stars The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are coming to town this week.
The Brooklyn-based power poppers bring their brand of lovelorn haze-infused indie crunch to the Tralf for a show on Saturday, June 5th. Having already run the gauntlet of touring behind their self-titled LP and an EP released last September, the hipsters extraordinaire come riding in on a wave of indie cred and a new 7″ hope to show Buffalo what all the fuss is about.
Taking a page from the Smiths and NYC’s own Sonic Youth, the Pains combine a syrupy mix of overdriven guitar pop, dreamy synths, and lyrics about well…the heart. Lace up your favorite gazing loafers and practice your best late 80’s dance moves cause if their show last spring in Rochester was any indication, these guys know how to entertain.
Along for the ride are Florida-based–and metaphorically appropriate–Surfer Blood. But don’t let the name scare you, these indie pop knuckleheads are gaining notice after impressive shows at CMJ ’09, and SXSW in March. They specialize in singing about what they know: girls, music, and Obama. But they do it with a gusto that raises their brand of simplistic pop into grandiose slacker anthems. Lucky for us they must have had a good time in Buffalo when they played in April cause they’re back for another go. And yes, they play Catholic pagans, no need to shout it out at them throughout the set ,you goon. Karaoke alert: you may want to brush up on your old school Weezer lyrics prior to the show!
And for all you fellow synth lovers out there make sure you catch the opening and up and coming Hooray for Earth. Their light-hearted swimmy synths and jubilent croons should provide a swell introduction to a night of good times. They’re touring to promote their new EP titled Momo, which will be released on June 1st under the Dovecote Records label.
Also is it just me or would “Hooray! Surfer Pains!” make an excellent band name? That one is on me, free of charge. Check the primer videos below and start practicing your dance moves now!!
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Tralf
Saturday, June 5th @8pm
622 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202-1914
(716) 852-2860
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: Young Adult Friction
via:
Surfer Blood: Swim
Hooray For Earth: Surrounded by Your Friends
“Surrounded By Your Friends” by Hooray For Earth from Johnny Woods on Vimeo.
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Tony Wilson is a freelance music journalist. When asked
about his experience he says “I’m just a guy who likes music”. Follow
his musings at xsonicanarchyx.blogspot.com or email him at xsonicanarchyx@gmail.com.