Surnames debut with gripping record “These Days”

The music of Boston’s latest standout band Surnames is sweet caramel, hot chocolate, gooey marshmallow—whatever decadence you can think of. Surnames’ debut record These Days grips you immediately with its smooth indie rock, tinged with a surfy vibe and sprinkled with natural sounds that enrich each atmospheric track. From the groovy dance number “Can’t Take It With You” to the funky-intricate guitar picking in “California,” the record is sensual, fun, and very much liberating. Even slower tracks like “To Wolves” drip with emotion as they swell into euphoric breakdowns highlighted by the soulful vocals of Liam Anastasia-Murphy, who has put together a group of talented individuals for a record worth betting on in 2020. Stream the romp-igniting track “Can’t Take It With You” below and let loose. – Rene Cobar