11.23.2009

RIYL: suburban rooftop blues, sunbaked daydreams, and the call of the beach

Real Estate - (s/t)

Putting the drift in driftwood on Woodsist records (2009)

There's something powerful and alluring about the thought of escaping to the beach. It's cliche for sure; yet its endlessly appealing all the same. Visions of careless backstrokes and sprawling atop warm beds of sand hold a promise of comfort that's a welcome relief from the drear of mundane daily life.

The New Jerseyans who make up the band Real Estate know this beach-longing well, as they've captured its sentiment in full on their striking debut record. On standout cuts like "Fake Blues" and "Beach Comber," melodic surf-guitar lines float alongside slack-jaw drums and lead singer Matthew Mondanile's wistful, toned-down singing. On its surface the music's sunny vibes evoke a youthful optimism for the possible. However, once the album's sedative pace fully sets in its clear there's just as much resignation here as hope. In other words, the good times are past and suburban ennui is here to stay---at least until summer returns next year. In the meantime, give this gorgeous record a spin.

Buy it at Insound!

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