Surf Curse is an American indie rock band formed in 2011. Though their music often falls under the genre of surf rock, they are known for incorporating elements of punk, grunge, and lo-fi in their music as well. The band consists of two members, Nick Rattigan and Jacob Rubeck, who both contribute vocals and play multiple instruments. One of the recurring themes in Surf Curse's music is the idea of being an outcast. Throughout their lyrics, they frequently explore the experiences and emotions of individuals who feel different or isolated from society. This theme resonates with many fans who can relate to the feeling of being an outsider.
This theme resonates with many fans who can relate to the feeling of being an outsider. In their song "Freaks," Surf Curse delves into the struggles of not fitting in and finding solace in one's own uniqueness. The lyrics express the longing for acceptance and understanding from others while also acknowledging the strength in embracing individuality.
The Curse of La Llorona
Many a danger hides in Los Angeles, circa 1973. Anna Tate-Garcia has seen enough of them to make a weaker woman’s blood freeze. Drugs. Abuse. Violence. Death. Closed doors hiding terrible secrets. The smile of a child obscuring eyes filled with fear.
Still, as horrible as these issues are, Anna understands them. She’s a social worker, after all: She’s been trained to handle these complex problems with practiced compassion. She’s dealt with them most of her adult life. Not much surprises Anna these days.
So when she walks into the home of frantic, frightened Patricia Alvarez and finds her two kids locked in a closet, Anna knows what’s going on. She sees the wounds on the boys’ arms. When she asks them to come out of the closet, they initially refuse. “She’ll hurt us,” one says.
Anna’s years of experience lead her to one obvious explanation: Patricia is abusing her boys. She’s clearly stressed. She might even have some mental health issues. And while the woman seems to love her children, Anna has just one option: remove the kids from the mother’s custody, at least temporarily.
“Tonight you guys are safe,” she tells them. “I promise you.”
The next morning, the boys are dead—drowned in a nearby drainage ditch. Suspicion falls on Patricia, but the mother¬—nearly mad with grief and rage—knows the real culprit: La Llorona.
From time immemorial, people in Mexico and Latin America have whispered of this spectral woman in white, the ghost of a grieving mother who drowned her own children and is always on the lookout for more. This folktale, Patricia knows, is no folktale. Her children saw La Llorona. Heard her cry. Felt her burning tears. And now, La Llorona taken them, just as she’s taken so many others before.
But while La Llorona may be the culprit, she’s not the cause. No, the old gal’s just doing what she does. For Patricia, the real killer is Anna. Unbelieving Anna, who didn’t understand the spiritual terror lurking in her house.
But perhaps the social worker—who’s a mother herself—will have reason to believe soon enough.
Anna’s used to dealing with horrors that live in a world of fact, of evidence, of empirical reality. But what if an unreal horror hides in the shadows? Standing by the door, just waiting for an invitation to come in?
The chorus captures this sentiment, proclaiming, "We don't think like time / We don't care for form / We don't act like you / We don't need the norm." Another track that exemplifies Surf Curse's exploration of outcast themes is "Heathers." This song tells the story of two outcasts finding solace and acceptance in their connection with each other. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their shared experiences and the bond they form as a result. The chorus emphasizes this connection, with the lines, "We're just outcasts, me and you / Trying to find ourselves in something new." Through their music, Surf Curse not only gives voice to those who feel like outcasts but also celebrates the beauty and strength in embracing one's unique identity. Their lyrics encourage listeners to find comfort in their differences and resist conforming to societal expectations. By addressing these themes, Surf Curse has created a distinctive sound and a loyal following of fans who find solace in their music..
Reviews for "Outcasts' Anthem: Surf Curse and the Power of Music"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with Surf Curse's "Outcasts Verses." The album lacked the catchy hooks and the raw energy that I loved from their previous releases. The songs felt repetitive and lacked the depth and creativity that I've come to expect from the band. Overall, it was a forgettable album that didn't live up to their potential.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Outcasts Verses" by Surf Curse was a total letdown for me. The album felt like a collection of uninspired and generic indie rock songs. The lyrics were cliché and lacked any real substance, and the production was lackluster. It felt like the band was just going through the motions without any real passion or creativity. I was really disappointed and wouldn't recommend this album at all.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Outcasts Verses," but it fell flat for me. The album lacked the unique and engaging sound that made me fall in love with Surf Curse's previous work. The songs were forgettable and didn't leave a lasting impression. It felt like the band was trying too hard to fit into a certain genre without bringing anything new or interesting to the table. Overall, it was a disappointing release from an otherwise talented band.