On Saturday, January 23rd the alternative rock band Surfer Blood will be performing live with Endless Pools and Loyal Revival at The Wooly in downtown Gainesville.
Surfer Blood, who packed the High Dive at their show last year, will be making only one stop in the state of Florida and the 352 is the lucky city.
The Florida natives have rocked out on the The Jimmy Fallon Show, performed at Coachella and other high-profile festivals and toured with big names like The Pixies and Guided By Voices.
At first listen, the group seems to channel sounds similar to the indie band Vampire Weekend at their softer, upbeat moments and is comparable to Weezer at their more rugged melodies. Most notable though, is how the group diverges from the mold by paying homage to their beach-y, ambient roots in West Palm, giving them a sound that feels distinctly Floridian.
Throughout the band’s five-year career and three albums, it has cycled through band members, labels and sounds. Their newest album, 1,000 Palms is a comeback album of sorts. It reflects turning a new leaf and ushering in a sunnier, surf rock sound after the darker, more melancholy album that preceded it.
As a live performer, the band frontman John Paul Pitts has become notorious for personalizing each show by hopping into and interacting with audiences, exuding a lively energy as restless as the band’s upbeat sound. What the band lacks in years of experience, it makes up for in live energy. The band is also known for digging up their older gems, while introducing their newest work as well, leaving something for everyone.
The Wooly, which doubles as a venue for art shows, concerts and film screenings, is located in the heart of downtown. So yes, it’s situated perfectly for grabbing a drink before the show. The Dime and Arcade Bar are located conveniently for all your pre-gaming needs.
The stage is shared by both locals and bigger names alike. It provides a space intimate enough to lend itself to interactive performers like Pitts. The venue, built in 1884, offers a historical, indie space as eccentric as the acts it puts on. With a large bar, spacious and clean layout, The Wooly is one of the best venues in Gainesville.
The show will be at 8 p.m. with tickets priced at $12 in advance or $14 at the door.
