My hidden treasure hunt of cool bands continues, and my latest find is Los Angeles’ own Surfbort, via their third album Reality Star.
This album is chaotic, grungy, punk-infused mayhem that sounds like a more fucked-up, feral version of Hole. From the first track, you’re thrown into a whirlwind of raw energy, feedback-drenched riffs, and Dani Miller’s scuzzy, Courtney Love-esque vocals. It’s nostalgic in all the right ways, like being transported back to the 90s punk-grunge scene, but with a modern, slightly feral twist.
The album kicks off with ‘Hot Chicks Cold Beer’, a thrashy burst of punk fury, before settling into ‘Candy’, my personal favourite. With its grunge-tinged riffs and Dani’s gritty vocals, it’s a track that could easily sit alongside some of the best 90s rock anthems, perfectly capturing that nostalgic feeling of teenage rebellion.
‘Jessica Changes’ starts off calm, almost deceptive, before building into a loud, cathartic crescendo: “Sometimes I’m happy when I’m sad, in a world gone mad…” It’s moments like this that highlight the band’s ability to balance chaos with emotional resonance. Then there’s ‘Rebel’, another fast-paced, guitar-charged track that makes you want to move, and ‘I Need Music’, which feels intensely personal to me- my “emotional support earphones” track, perfect for when I need a blast of sanity or grounding in a noisy world.
‘FUGOMF’ is pure, furious joy, fast, angry, and completely feral. Dani sneers, “fuck you get out of my face,” and I cannot help but cheer along in my head. Every time I listen, I feel simultaneously released and empowered, like the album itself is a kind of motivation music.
Surfbort have drawn inspiration from the raw power of 1980s punk, and it shows. Feedback-drenched guitars, wild drumming, and Dani’s vocal swagger make this a record that feels alive, chaotic, and unapologetic. It’s music that celebrates rebellion, fun, and the messy, human, slightly feral experience of being alive.
Fans of 90s grunge, riotous punk, or bands like L7 will find a lot to love here, but Surfbort are very much their own chaotic, fun, slightly feral beast. In short: Reality Star is loud, messy, and brilliant — a riot of sound, nostalgia, and unapologetic energy that I can’t wait to keep blasting on repeat.
Reality Star is out now and you can buy it here
Surfbort Socials: Instagram/Facebook
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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