The Surfrajettes "Roller Fink" review from the Continental #33

 The Surfrajettes - Roller Fink

Vinyl, CD, Digital - Hi-Tide Recordings

Reviewed in The Continental #33 available from Double Crown Records

To say that the Surfrajettes care about presentation is an understatement, everything they do is carefully designed around their specific aesthetic. From the turquoise and pink mid-century pallete, the hand sewn band costumes, the matching B-52 updos— I can’t think of another band in the realm that works this hard to define themselves. And that’s a beautiful thing, because it also shows up in the music. When I listen to the Surfrajettes, I don’t hear them taking the easy route of low-if slop or someone cutting loose, I hear melodic, well thought out songs and group arrangements. Certainly their self-penned songs will demand respect and eventual cover versions, as The Manakooras did recently with their single release of the ‘Jettes Hale’iwa Hustle. The first three songs on Roller Fink— Warm Up, Roxy Roller and Salty Sister show that  craftsmanship and a deft use of 7th chords to pull some dissonance out of the otherwise bright melodies. The transition from Salty Sister to Surfer’s Slide is difficult, as they both share a major to relative minor chord structure. That said, Richard Podolor’s Surfer Slide is a real fretboard workout on guitar and is impressive. I’m not sure who’s playing lead, either Nicole or Shermy, but they are nailing it! Slush Puppy is another grooving county fair hit. While I’m flipping to side 2, I have to mention how great the record sounds, especially the drums, which pop with assurance courtesy of studio ace Dani Nash who has a long list of credentials. The Surfrajettes have had a rotating throne behind the kit, but always find killer musicians, like new, permanent drummer Sam Maloney. Meanwhile, Shermy and Nicole sound like they sat on a couch together for the last two years, woodshedding their interlocking guitars to a high degree of tightness. Train Kept A Rollin’ is an aggressive choice for a cover, as it begs for comparisons with great versions of the past, especially the Beck/Page Yardbirds. This version starts with Nicole playing about as bluesy as surf guitar can get, and giving the vocal melody a workout over a slamming backing track with notable walking bass lines from Sarah Butler. Of course, they had to shout the “Looking so good Jack I couldn’t let go” line! Another cover, this one more in line with their viral hit of Britney Spears’ Toxic, is a more or less straight take of Blondie’s signature Heart of Glass. The clear, glassy, guitars emulate Debbie Harry’s vocals, and take this version out of the disco and straight to the beach. Roller Fink has the feel of an obscure Ventures album cut, where they let loose over a groove, and everyone gets to take some licks. She Loves You— the Beatles don’t get a lot of surf covers, after all they are at least partly responsible for the death of the first wave, but they definitely are melodically ripe for instrumentals. Priscilla (Presley?) is a moody mysterious creeper, with jazzy changes and lines, showing the great versatility the band has. And the ride ends with Snowball, a romantic 6/8 stroll into the sunset. Overall, this album is a complete delight. It has been a pleasure to watch this band grow and gain confidence as songwriters and performers, and Roller Fink is a righteous landmark for a passionate surf band who can really deliver.