Like their name would suggest, talented band Beach Fossils is often categorized as surf rock, and though they are from Brooklyn, I would have to agree that such a title is accurate. New York is not a city often associated with surfing, but the band is able to capture the carefree and easy-going sounds of the genre and the beaches of Orange County. This is especially true with “Careless”, their newest single.
Lightly distorted electric guitars start the song, reminding the listener of the wet reverb style that was so popular with 1960s surf rock. Occasionally, in between verses and bridges, the electric guitar will bust to the forefront of the track with a very Beach Boys-style riff that just begs for the listener to stand on a surfboard and wave his or her arms about. In order to keep away from stereotypes and comedic characterization, though, Beach Fossils keeps “Careless” real with soft indie drums and simple guitar strumming behind the verses.
So don’t worry, it doesn’t sound cheesy whatsoever. Lead singer Dustin Paysuer sings in a way that doesn’t draw attention to himself, which is refreshing to hear from an indie/lo-fi band. His voice is distorted in some way, sounding very much like he is singing into the microphone through a seashell. But the effect works exceedingly well with the sharp guitar riffs.
This relaxing song is the lead single from their upcoming studio album, Clash the Truth, and was released amp the public up before the album drops next month. Or maybe it was released to captivate the public with its calm rhythm and beachy guitar. Either way, it’s successful. Clash the Truth will be Beach Fossils’ second studio album, the first having been released way back in 2009 and re-issued in early 2010. This new one has been a long time in the making.
“Careless” will have you dreaming of sand and sun while planning your next trip out west. It is a great song and promises great things from their upcoming album, no matter how many years it took for Beach Fossils to create and release.