Surtsey – Nothing Doing
Surtsey is a quartet from the US Midwest that’s been kicking around since the late aughts. They’ve just released their latest EP, the five-song Nothing Doing – recorded in St. Louis MO, their songwriting was strongly informed by their attendance at the School of Song, specifically under the instruction of Buck Meek (of both Big Thief and solo fame). The result is an interesting and beautiful collection of songs, rooted in country and folk sounds but with indie rock experimentation, thoughtful lyrical cadences, and sweet melodies peppered throughout. Opening song, “Stick” is a confident declaration of where Surtsey is as a songwriting unit. Right away, they hit you with the phrase “Buffalo nickel,” settling the scene with distinctly Midwestern imagery and honing in the vibes with a sense of vague, history-inspired nostalgia. They double down with a sighing steel guitar lead, woven seamlessly into the song like a ghostly presence.[...]