Surf Curse Has a “Magic Hour” in Brooklyn
Established in Reno, NV by Nick Rattigan (lead vocals, drums) and Jacob Rubeck (guitar), Surf Curse has been honing a multifaceted sound, encompassing elements of indie, punk, pop, rock, and more for nearly a decade. 2020 saw their breakthrough with the success of “Freaks,” which earned over 500M worldwide streams and RIAA platinum certification more than eight years after its original release.
Surf Curse's latest project, Magic Hour, sees them exploring the rockier edges of their alternative sound. Joined by new members Noah Kohll (guitar) and Henry Dillon (bass), Rattigan and Rubeck view a wide range of sonic styles and colors. The newly expanded lineup allows Surf Curse to push their songcraft further than ever before, spanning the blistering album-opener, “Arrow,” to the somber rock of “No Tomorrows.”
“Magic Hour is our excitement about rock music and being in a band,” says Jacob Rubeck. “This album is the excitement of starting something that we all can feel good about with each other, but also progressing as creative people and throwing in that magic. We’re feeling that magic, what’s brewing in the air and what’s existing in what we’re doing together.”
Surf Curse is renowned for their lively and passionate live performances. Celebrating their debut album Magic Hour recorded at New York City's legendary Electric Lady Studios, their show at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn was a testament to their electrifying stage presence.
The 280-capacity venue was jam-packed last Thursday as people eagerly gathered to see Surf Curse in action. The band took the stage to a chorus of cheers and declarations of "I love you" from the audience as they swiftly set up.
They kicked off the evening with Magic Hour's opening track, "Arrow," igniting an instant surge of energy. The crowd went from 0-100 as everybody immediately sang along. Next up was one of my favorites off Magic Hour, “Cathy,” a more relaxed but still punchy song about feeling lucky to be with someone. “Nobody's perfect, you're worth it/Where did you come from?/It's an honor, a pleasure/To love someone like you.”
The band seamlessly blended older material, including "Doom Generation," into their setlist. Whether it was a new or old song, the audience knew every word and screamed along. Surf Curse possesses that rare quality of sounding even better live than in their recorded tracks. Each band member breathes vibrant life into the music, leaving a lasting impact that makes it hard to return to the studio versions. Major credits to Rattigan for delivering stellar vocals while tearing it up on the drums.
No rock 'n' roll show would be complete without a mosh pit and Surf Curse had the entire Baby's turned into one. As the drums pounded along with the guitars, the energy was electric as it spread through the crowd. Everybody started pushing and shoving each other around the venue. With slippery floors from spilled drinks, it was almost impossible to stay upright. It felt like being in a pinball machine as people bounced off each other's sweaty bodies. Only the very edges of the venue remained untouched by the mosh pit, giving people a haven to catch their breath.
The intensity escalated as crowd surfers emerged, particularly during "Midnight Cowboy." Lifted by the hands of strangers, fans traversed the crowd from one end to the other, occasionally being dropped in the middle of the frenzy to join the mosh pit.
