What makes Surfing Strange by Swearin' notable?

Surfing Strange received critical acclaim, landing on several year-end lists and showcasing the band's growing influence within the indie rock scene. The album's candid lyrics and catchy melodies resonated with listeners, making it a staple for fans of the genre and contributing to a resurgence in garage rock aesthetics during this period. Released in early 2013, Surfing Strange was Swearin's sophomore album, following their self-titled debut from 2012. The band had solidified their sound and aesthetic, moving from their roots in the DIY punk scene to a more polished yet still gritty alternative rock approach.

How many songs are on Surfing Strange?

Surfing Strange has 11 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Surfing Strange

Swearin' · 2013

33 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and raw, honest lyrics that capture the spirit of youthful disillusionment.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dust in the Gold Sack — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and introspective lyrics that explore themes of nostalgia and uncertainty.
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Mermaid — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, blending upbeat instrumentation with lyrics that reflect longing and escapism.
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Echo Locate — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrical observations, this song exemplifies the band's knack for merging catchy hooks with relatable storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic tracks with introspective moments, showcasing solid songwriting and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective feel.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
The album closes with a track that features a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of unresolved tension.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dust in the Gold Sack 3:08
2 Watered Down 2:53
3 Mermaid 4:16
4 Parts of Speech 3:01
5 Melanoma 3:20
6 Echo Locate 3:15
7 Loretta's Flowers 3:10
8 Glare of the Sun 3:23
9 Unwanted Place 2:28
10 Young 2:01
11 Curdled 2:33

What to play next

Listen next

Tourist in This Town

2017

Go back to

Swearin'

2012

Full Swearin' discography Artists like Swearin'

alternative rock

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