Surf Beach 73

The female-fronted melodic punk rock band’s three-track EP has winter written all over — and it’s not just because “SNOW-FLAKES” is printed on the cover. The scampering title track is guided through a flurry of distorted guitars and gushing percussion by vocalist & guitarist MAYU. Her comparatively calm and detached vocals manage to find their way through the rushing instrumental blizzard that she has a hand in creating.

MAYU’s singing style is not unique to “SNOW-FLAKES” (since its fairly consistent across other tracks), yet the distinction is drawn more drastically in this instance. Even though her vocals don’t always match the wild pace of the music, the contrast allows for MAYU’s voice to actually pop forward more and command attention.

The “SNOW-FLAKES” PV illustrates the winter spirit of the song because what’s more winter than skiing and snowboarding? The PV intersperses freestyle snowboarding clips with footage from Sandy Beach Surf Coaster’s frenetic live performances. Wide expanses of white snow and blue sky are the backdrop as snowboarders launch off jumps and spin in the air. Meanwhile, the antithesis of that riding-the-slopes freedom is shown as the band rocks out on stages of dark and crowded clubs. The music, “SNOW-FLAKES”, glues these two locales together and provides continuity which makes the experience complete.

The SNOW-FLAKES e.p. features three tracks — “SNOW-FLAKES”, “CHANGE”, & ” I Only Want To Be With You” — and is out on February 18th.

The Aichi-based Sandy Beach Surf Coaster (サンディ ビーチ　サーフ　コースター) is the quartet of lead singer & guitarist MAYU, guitarist Masafumi Aoki (青木雅文), bassist Yukihito Mitomo (三友行人), and drummer Takeshi Enomoto (榎本健志). MAYU doesn’t just lead vocally, she is responsible for writing and composing much of Sandy Beach Surf Coaster’s music.

Sandy Beach Surf Coaster released their first mini album, RIOT GIRL!! in 2007 and their success was knocked up a notch with 2008’s THE KIDS ARE ALL RIOT — the band’s first full-length album. They are currently signed with Baby Rock Diamond.