Tarot Classics
Surfer Blood · 2011
23 min · 6 tracks · indie rock
Bright guitar melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a surf rock soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Top tracks — play these first
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I'm Not Ready — The opening track sets the tone with its shimmering guitars and anthemic chorus, encapsulating the band's signature sound while showcasing their lyrical vulnerability.
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Miranda — This track stands out for its catchy hooks and layered instrumentation, revealing the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with more complex themes of longing.
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Drinking Problem — Delving into darker themes, this song balances upbeat instrumentals with introspective lyrics, highlighting the album's emotional range and musical diversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP features strong melodies and production but loses cohesion with its remix tracks.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature bright, jangly guitar melodies that create a surf rock atmosphere, while the last three tracks are remixes that shift the focus away from the original compositions.
- The EP opens with an upbeat tempo and gradually introduces more introspective themes in the lyrics, particularly in 'Drinking Problem'.
- Each track maintains a consistent sound palette, but the remixes alter the original arrangements significantly, creating a contrast in style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- concise rhythmic journey through uncertainty
- bright melodies for youthful reflection
- inviting sing-alongs with friends
- engaging remixes that surprise
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek immediate instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as their first full-length album after their 2010 EP, Tarot Classics marked Surfer Blood's transition into the national spotlight. The band was building on their early buzz from singles like 'Swim' and aimed to solidify their presence in the indie rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Real Estate· Beach Fossils· Pavement
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I'm Not Ready 4:24
- 2 Miranda 3:03
- 3 Voyager Reprise 4:26
- 4 Drinking Problem 3:30
- 5 Voyager Reprise (Another Summer of Love remix) 4:57
- 6 Drinking Problem (Speculator remix) 2:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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