A Beach Rock Revival At The CMJ Music Marathon's 'Offline' Leg

Much to my surprise, it wasn’t possible to gain entry to Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday night for the Offline leg of the great College Music Journal Music Marathon wearing nothing but a pair of junk-displaying Speedos and a towel draped over my shoulder. This was odd given the beach rock revival-embracing acts and dreamy soundscapers lining the bill, but I eventually conceded after a heated discussion with the door staff and traded my beachwear in to cover the $10 entry fee. I know, I know, no CMJ pass — I’m such a loser.

Fittingly, the lineup was dominated by Brooklyn-based bands, yielding an impressive turnout and a good consensus of what was to be expected. Though a little late to see the full set from Ohio-based Times New Viking, it was clear that they had come to display their usual jangling lo-fi garage credentials. Hyped melodies and vocal obscurities abound but don’t retract from the fact that these guys are still fun to watch and undoubtedly ahead of their game.

Beach Fossils were next to hit the stage and any fear that their sleepy, sundrenched blend of indie rock would be interrupted by the clatter of bowling balls from the stage-side lanes were quickly eradicated. As they drifted through a slightly-louder-than-imagined set, I found myself enjoying what would probably end up being my favorite band of the night. I was at the mercy of their lazy pop-centric surf guitar allure and conversationally delivered lyrics, a mesmerised state broken periodically by seemingly out-of-character instrumental crescendos. Overall, Beach Fossils are good fun and certainly a band that can hold their own within their fast growing sub-genre, but can fall foul of its inherent repetitiveness.

As a quick disclaimer on electronic music between guitar-driven bands, I have to admit that it’s never been something that I’ve been able to see as anything other than an uneasy juxtaposition. Unfortunately for Gold Panda, this was something that seemed true among the crowd, who struggled to get into line with this wistfully uplifting and essentially enjoyable electronica. And though this undoubtedly talented UK native’s set was decent, I couldn’t help thinking it would have been more suited to a 2:30 a.m. wind-down slot.

Next on stage were Brooklyn natives Small Black, a band with whom I was cursing for having a name so shockingly close to that of The Big Pink. Strangely, they sounded a hell of a lot like them too (which can never really be a bad thing). Lofty drum beats and sweet vocal harmonies preside over some genuinely interesting peaks of wiry synths, held together with subtle smatterings of bass. Aside from their music, Small Black actually look like a really nice bunch of guys, and the fact that the band seemed to be having fun translated into sporadic dancing between those in attendance.

As a quick reminder that I was at a CMJ event, I overheard somebody remark that Surfer Blood, who played next, were ‘so mainstream,’ as if it was some death sentence to their hip-ness. But when they wandered on stage and launched into a finely balanced surf-rock set, it’s easy to see why these young guys are growing in popularity. Belying their jilted nerd looks, they captivated their audience with an endearing swagger, wading through their rock solid pop hits. Songs "Take It Easy" and "Floating Vibes" came across brilliantly especially given that the latter was prefixed by a shout out to the lead singer's little sister (Aww). Topping the set with their relative blockbuster "Swim" sent me into a giddy dance fit and left me wondering if Surfer Blood’s success in their native country will match their accomplishments in Europe. Either way, I’m glad I went to this particular CMJ event and not the one that was crashed by that pop superstar Kanye West, whoever he is.