I’m a big fan of instrumentals. Surf rock is a rock subgenre that is known for instrumentals. Years ago, The Surfrajettes went viral with their cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and I was hooked from that point onwards. I talked about them in a blog post six years ago.
A few years ago I saw fellow surf rock band The Routes in London playing Kraftwerk covers in instrumental surf rock style and it was an incredible gig. Last month I saw Masayoshi Takanaka in London for my husband and I’s birthday and it was easily an S-Tier concert, perfect setlist no notes. Earlier this month I saw the sea shanty band The Longest Johns at Fantasy Forest Libertalia and they opened with the SpongeBob SquarePants theme which is an instant way to get me to like your band, so there’s a lot of music focused around the ocean in my life lately. The Surfrajettes are similar in that way and I knew that one day I wanted to see them. I saw them announce a UK tour this year and Birmingham is not far away from me so I took the chance and went to the concert and it was a blast.
Opening the concert was the Leeds based rockabilly band X-Ray Cat Trio. As a cat parent, I dig the name! I had never listened to them, but looking at the merch they had available at the merch table I liked their 50s inspired vibe. The 1950s are a decade near and dear to my heart since that’s when rock and roll was born and all the classic rock you listen to was built on that foundation, brick by brick! Their sound is mostly rockabilly and 50s rock and roll inspired and you see that in how they style themselves, but I hear elements of power pop, surf rock, garage rock, and punk there. What makes them unique is that the bassist doesn’t just play bass guitar, he also plays double bass, just like bassist Joe B. Mauldin from The Crickets did in the early years with Buddy Holly. During the set, they mentioned that one of their songs was inspired by Buddy Holly, so it’s canon that he’s an influence. Definitely a band any classic rock fan would love!
If you’re looking for song recommendations for X Ray Cat Trio, I’d recommend “Strange Times at Roswell High”, “Morticia”, “Bubblegum”, “Jackalope”, and “Hotel Metropole”.
Then the Surfrajettes began their set. It was a mix of covers and originals. No vocals, but there were some chat breaks every few songs and the band have a great sense of humour and it’s clear how much they love England because it’s the birthplace of a lot of their influences. This being Birmingham, there was a guy in a Wizzard shirt in the audience and he was shouted out because one of the guitarists loved them as well as Roy Wood’s other bands The Move and ELO. Birmingham in general has contributed a lot to rock and roll history: Moody Blues, Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Dexys, The Beat, UB40, and Steel Pulse. A great set from start to finish. In my opinion, everything sounds great in surf rock and I’m a sucker for instrumentals. I loved hearing the Hockey Night in Canada theme, Mrs Moto, Banshee Bop, and the medleys with Toxic, Spice Up Your Life, Sunshine of Your Love, and For Your Love. Since September is Hispanic Heritage Month, I especially appreciated hearing El Condor Pasa, which is Peru’s second national anthem if you will. You might know it thanks to Simon and Garfunkel. If you’re a fan of Dick Dale, The Shadows, The Ventures, and Quentin Tarantino film soundtracks you’ll love The Surfrajettes. At points during the show, guitarist Shermy and bassist Sarah will do a Shadows Walk of sorts and pose with their guitar/bass. All of the band members are highly skilled and have great chemistry. The drummer Annie is also an absolute star and is a total natural, looking relaxed and like she’s having fun, and she’s not using her usual drum kit. The band couldn’t transport it from Canada so X Ray Cat Trio generously lent The Surfrajettes theirs, artists being absolute bros, I love it! She was so passionate and giving it her all that the strap of her dress slipped off and she carried on. If that doesn’t say giving 110% I don’t know what does! While the temperatures are getting cooler, thank goodness, surf rock always helps brighten the day with its optimistic, summery sound.
At the end of the show I got a setlist and bought their live album that will be released on sale to the public later, but if you see them live you’ll be able to purchase a copy, and it’s on confetti vinyl, how cool is that. The whole band signed it and I got a picture with the bassist and drummer. One them complimented my outfit saying she had seen it in the audience and thought it looked so cool. Both the coat and dress are vintage from the 60s.
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