The members of Canadian surf combo The Surfrajettes sometimes daydream about performing in a Quentin Tarantino movie. Too bad the iconic director still plans to retire after his 10th film, otherwise it wouldn’t have been an unrealistic ambition from Mackenzie Freeman (guitar), Nicole Damoff (guitar), Sarah Butler (bass) and Dani Nash (drums). They have the sound, they have the looks, they even set the scene. Imagine a roller rink that still breathes the 50s – on a hot Friday night you step inside in your vintage clothes, and hear from the speakers: “Welcome to ‘Jettes Rock and Roll Palace! Make sure to grab a sweet treat from the snack bar, and don’t forget to bring your song requests to the DJ booth.” That’s the introduction and the central theme that the band lays down on their debut full-length album Roller Fink, well produced by Colin Cripps. The calls the musicians had in mind led to 5 covers, of which She Loves You (The Beatles) and Heart of Glass (Blondie) will probably be most recognized, but Train Kept A-Rollin’ (first recorded by Tiny Bradshaw, popularized by The Yardbirds) is the most surprising. The original songs, however, are just as fun, especially the colorful Slush Puppy. Instrumental music may often be easy listening, but somehow this reverb-drenched surf rock with psych influences and pop references is more clever than usual in the genre – very appealing in every way. “Hope your skates are warmed up and let’s Rock and Roll!”
Roller Fink is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Hi-Tide Recordings.
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