Magic hour surf is a term used to describe the extraordinary beauty and tranquility that can be experienced while surfing during the so-called "magic hour" - the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. This is a time when the light is soft and golden, creating a magical glow that envelops the surroundings. The waves seem to be illuminated from within, shimmering with a radiant brilliance that is nothing short of mesmerizing. Surfers cherish these moments for several reasons. Firstly, the soft and warm lighting enhances the visual beauty of the ocean and the waves. This creates a surreal and dreamlike ambiance, as if you are surfing through a painting or a scene from a fantasy film.
2017
The expanded lineup and Electric Lady sessions arrive on the heels of Surf Curse s sleeper hit, Freaks, a cut from their 2013 debut that received newfound success on TikTok last year. Though Surf Curse have never lost the intense post-punk that can both sedate you and jolt you awake, there s a newfound tenderness a milkiness, according to the band that characterizes Magic Hour.
This creates a surreal and dreamlike ambiance, as if you are surfing through a painting or a scene from a fantasy film. It adds an element of enchantment to the surfing experience, making it feel more ethereal and otherworldly. Secondly, the calmness and tranquility that often accompanies the magic hour creates perfect surfing conditions.
Surf Curse Keep Searching for the “Magic”
Surf Curse almost named their new album “Milky Magic.” During the recording sessions at NYC’s Electric Lady Studios for the rock group’s fourth album Magic Hour (out Friday, October 7th), frontman and drummer Nick Rattigan walked by a wall of graffiti with the words “magic trick” written on them, and suggested the phrase to his bandmates as a potential album title.
“Everyone was like… ‘ehhhhhh,'” Rattigan tells Consequence, before explaining that “magic trick” became “milky magic,” a guidepost for how they wanted the record to sound.
“There’s a smoothness to it, a coolness to it. It’s silky,” adds founding guitarist Jacob Rubeck, with fellow guitarist Noah Kohll confessing that he “had this whole thing where I was trying to get the producer, Chris Coady, to say ‘milky,’ in terms of how things sound, at least twice a day.”
AdvertisementThat cohesive, smooth sound and spirit is what characterizes the best songs of Magic Hour, Surf Curse’s first album as a quartet, with Kohll and bassist Henry Dillon joining the lineup.
Though Surf Curse’s last album, 2019’s dazzling Heaven Surrounds You, was the band at their most hi-fi, they’ve certainly upped the ante with Magic Hour, which is also their first album for Atlantic Records. The expanded lineup and Electric Lady sessions arrive on the heels of Surf Curse’s sleeper hit, “Freaks,” a cut from their 2013 debut that received newfound success on TikTok last year. But fans of the DIY spirit of “Freaks” will certainly enjoy Magic Hour‘s vibrant energy, especially tracks like lead singles “Sugar” and “TVI.”
Though Surf Curse have never lost the intense post-punk that can both sedate you and jolt you awake, there’s a newfound tenderness — a “milkiness,” according to the band — that characterizes Magic Hour. “Love is tender,” says Rattigan, “And I feel like we can say that we love each other.”
The camaraderie between the band’s members is palpable and endearing, and they seem to be on each other’s wavelengths on and off stage; that being said, the band took the main stage at Coachella this year dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz, which was undoubtedly a fun choice… except that it was around 96 degrees in the blazing desert sun, and Rattigan’s lion costume looked like it was going to give him a heat stroke behind the drum kit. “Two or three songs in I was like, ‘This was a huge mistake,'” says Rattigan, before sharing that they all took after Dillon’s choice to wear Dorothy costumes for their weekend 2 set.
AdvertisementAhead of the release of Magic Hour, Consequence caught up with Surf Curse before their exuberant set while on the ground at this year’s inaugural Primavera Sound Los Angeles — a hometown festival for the band — to discuss the new album, playing festivals, and much more. Read the full Q&A below.
See All
The winds are usually light, and the waves tend to be gentle and mellow during this time. This makes it ideal for surfers of all levels - from beginners looking to practice their skills to experienced surfers wanting to enjoy a more relaxed and introspective session. The peacefulness of the surroundings also allows surfers to fully connect with nature and experience a sense of serenity and harmony. The magic hour is also a time when wildlife tends to be more active. Dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures can often be seen playing and frolicking in the water, adding an extra element of awe and wonder to the surfing experience. Sharing the ocean with these magnificent creatures is a humbling and exhilarating experience, reminding us of the beauty and richness of the natural world. Overall, the magic hour surf is a special and unique experience that goes beyond the mere act of riding waves. It is a time when nature reveals its most breathtaking and captivating side, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or a casual enthusiast, the magic hour surf is an opportunity to connect with the ocean, appreciate its beauty, and find solace in its embrace..
Reviews for "Discovering the Magic Hour Surfing Phenomenon"
1. John Doe - 2/5 - The Magic Hour Surf Cruise was a huge disappointment for me. The waves were very small and I didn't feel like I got much of a surfing experience. The instructors were also not very helpful and didn't provide much guidance or support. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on this surf cruise and would not recommend it to others.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5 - I had high expectations for the Magic Hour Surf Cruise, but it fell short in every aspect. The equipment provided was old and in poor condition, making it difficult to enjoy the surfing experience. Additionally, the staff seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic, which had a negative impact on the overall atmosphere. I would not recommend this surf cruise to anyone looking for a quality surfing adventure.
3. Robert Johnson - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to the Magic Hour Surf Cruise, but it turned out to be a letdown. The surfing conditions were not ideal, with small and inconsistent waves. The cruise also felt overcrowded, which made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Overall, I was disappointed with the lackluster surfing conditions and would not book this surf cruise again.