Seraphina Lotkhamnga on February 21st, 2011

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Surfer Blood’s surprise show on Sunday night at a downtown loft was as heavy on the suspense at it was the music.

The party, another in a string of pop-up shows put on by FYF Fest, also featured a set from Long Beach’s Crystal Antlers. But it was in danger of getting shut down before it even started – L.A. Fashion District security guards, who noticed a line of people outside the building, had intended on scotching the gathering but were persuaded to let it proceed, although they promised to check back in 90 minutes to see if there were any disturbances.

Inside, Crystal Antlers finally took the opportunity to warm the crowd up with a meaty set. In the loft setting, the band’s neo-psychedelic indie rock tunes enveloped the enthused guests in high-energy racket. Unfortunately, their set was shorter than expected. Courteous to the visiting band from West Palm Beach, Fla., frontman Jonny Bell announced “OK, this is our last one because we want Surfer Blood to play before the cops can arrive.”

Surfer Blood swiftly switched spots with the opening act and launched into hits such as “Floating Vibes,” “Swim” and “Take It Easy” (a song about a diner their frontman frequently visits). The baby-faced boys from Florida delivered a strong set that was heavy on cowbell, guitars and choruses drenched in reverb, inducing jumps and unison claps from fans. With lead vocalist JP Pitts exclaiming, “No one told us to stop, so we’re going to keep going,” Surfer Blood successfully pulled off a show that went a few minutes past midnight.

Surfer Blood’s set included three new songs – two of them still untitled. “I don’t name the songs until they’re completely done,” Pitts explained. “It’s the last thing I do.” The batch of new songs did have one titled “I’m Not Ready,” but contrary to popular belief it is not the title track of their upcoming EP, which also according to Pitts, should be released sometime in April.

Photo by Doug Kresse