Words by Ali Waite @alister_88
Starting with a delicately unhinged guitar riff that could well be an emission from a well-worn and stickered Fender Jaguar frequently passed between the bunk beds of Stephen Malkmus and Rivers Cuomo in their Freshman year dorm, ‘Serial Scruff’ is an instant alt-rock banger. The synergy between Rory O’ Connor and Cami Menditeguy is evident, captivating from the start. Ricochets of The Pixies and Blood Red Shoes can be heard as the fuzz-drenched chorus and mantra ‘Do you want to be all alone? Do you want to feel no control?’ seeps into your head in a beautifully lucid fashion. What I admire most about Beach Riot is their genuine and honest approach to their songwriting and performances on stage. It's as if they're saying "this is who we are, these are our influences and this is what we love doing." Bring on the next gig, I'll be down the front with a pint.