Release Date: October 9, 2026
The Surfrajettes, a dynamic four-piece instrumental band from Toronto, Canada, have captivated audiences since forming in late 2015. Blending psychedelic rock with reverb-soaked surf music, they are instantly recognizable for their sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and bold eyeliner, with a signature style as striking as their sound.
Party with The Surfrajettes LIVE! is a real treat for the ears.
“Warm Up” is a lively, bright number that gets the audience pumped up into the right frame of mind.
“Party Line” continues with the energy and retro surf instrumental sounds. The reverb resonates beautifully, and the bass lines drive the groove, with the drums following. Then they segue into “Couch Surfing.” It gets a bit more complex with layered guitar, and the rhythms are spot on.
They stop and talk to the audience briefly before launching into “Clam Chowder.” Their musicianship is superb as they transition between the melodies. The guitar tones are exceptional, and the drums and bass respond in kind to the tempo changes and volume of the guitars. They move smoothly from mellow to meatier chord progressions.
Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” gets the surf treatment. The ladies do an excellent job with the track. Beyond smooth guitar playing, the exceptional rhythm section work stands out. You know the coverage is good when you can hear Debbie Harry singing inside your head.
“Roller Fink” switches things up a bit, with a more “in the tank” reverb sound. It's retro and modern at once. A real mover!
The Electric Prunes hold a special place in my heart; I covered their music, met them at a concert many years ago, and stayed in touch with James Lowe (RIP), the lead singer, over the years. “I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)” is one of their best-known classics. And what a great name for a song! They do a nice job with the song and add their own trademark surf touch. More evidence is that this band has their chops down cold: they venture beyond surf instrumental.
I didn’t know “Mr. Moto” had a “Mrs. Moto”? Another excellent tribute to a piece of history that is etched in time. This version is dynamic with an amazing bass line. The guitar is clear and crisp and delivered with elegant impact. Then it segues into “Cha Cha Heels,” which amps up the energy even more with fine leads and rhythm guitar. Sweet reverb tones and great melody!
“Hot Doggin'” evokes waves, sun, and tanned surfers gliding across the water. A true retro sound with some distinct twang and reverb, with a strong sense of melody.
“El Cóndor Pasa,” by Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles, was written in 1913 and is based on traditional Andean (South American) music. It has surf twang and a Latin flavor. The driving bass and drum rhythms sound like a horse riding away. Quite beautiful and elegantly played.
“Double Reverb” has a title and sound that are as surfy and reverb-heavy as it gets. The tremolo stands out more than on any other track. There is a lot to appreciate here from all positions.
The Rolling Stones get their moment, literally, in the spotlight with “Paint It Black” clocking in at 1:16. Then a smooth sequel into the classic “Pipeline,” which I anticipated. They do it all with the core melody and transitions, plus a few trips off the road for some variations. Then again, another seamless segue into “Toxic.” This one has Latin flavor and color, with excellent rhythm guitar, and, as usual, a superb bottom end.
Then, to keep the continuity and into one final segue, they launch into “Satan's Holiday.” Cymbals crashing, drums and bass thumping, and guitars echoing with reverb, they leave their mark on an appreciative audience. Delightfully, with an evil twist, they kick it into high gear, reach an apex, and end the show.
The Surfrajettes defy conventions in the male-dominated surf scene, dazzling audiences with both their technical mastery and magnetic stage presence. Their bold style and inventive arrangements breathe new life into familiar classics, while their original material stands out as modern surf anthems. By consistently raising the bar for the genre, The Surfrajettes are not just participants; they are pioneers whose impact and acclaim continue to rise.
Credits:
Nicole Damoff - Guitar
Annie Lillis - Drums, Percussion
Shermy Freeman - Guitar
Abby Jo Powell - Bass Guitar
Recorded live at:
The Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ON by Aaron
Goldstein
Aggie Theatre - Fort Collins, CO USA by Anthony
Henningson & Andrew Waltman
Off Broadway - St. Louis, MO by Josh Limpert
Produced by Aaron Goldstein & Dave Bruzza
Mixed by Aaron Goldstein
Mastered by Anna Frick
Art & photography by Courtney Reader
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
October 22, 2026
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