Top 25 Albums of 2011: #16 Surf Noir by Beat Connection

OK- this album technically came out in 2010, but it saw such a limited release that I doubt many people outside of Seattle heard it.  They released a revamped version early this year on their new label Tender Age, and therefore I’m just gonna make the exec decision to classify this as a 2011 release.

Surf Noir is basically the perfect embodiment of summery electro pop.  This album is destined to provide the backing soundtrack to your next BBQ, outdoor party, or trip to the beach.  And while there are a few tracks in here that can easily stand on their own, what I love most about this album is its flow between songs.

Surf Noir is reminiscent of Cut Copy’s amazing In Ghost Colours in having flawless transitions from one song to the next.  It’s pretty much impossible just to listen to one song on this album.

Beat Connection is another band that I’m very excited to see where they go next. I always think their lead vocalist Tom Eddy has a voice that sounds a little like Sting, but he seems to be a little shy to use it without an effect on it. As they gain confidence I bet we’ll start to see Eddy featuring his normal voice a little more, which might draw more attention to this promising band. 

Standout tracks:

Beat Connection: “Silver Screen”

Beat Connection: “Same Damn Time”