A core fixture of the southern music scene for over ten years, brothers Paul and Liam Sharod returned to their sonic-primal garage roots in the bubble of lockdown to create a multitude of new music. Joined by electrifying newcomer, bassist Bobbie Sparks, the Birds have been busy recording three new albums. Today, their new album ‘Blue Room’ is released. Here’s what to expect.

Words: Leela Brunsdon.

Let me tell you why the bird is the word.

You have definitely heard Surf Rock music, even if it’s not quite ringing any bells. Think – Dick Dale (most recognised for his hit ‘Miserlou’…which you’ll recognise if you’ve seen any movies directed by Quentin Tarantino), The Beach Boys, or to compare the sound to someone more currently recognisable – Mac DeMarco.

What sets The Surfin’ Birds aside from all the other Dick Dale wannabes is a wonderfully meditated blend of iconic 60s Surf Rock elements with a boozy psychedelic sound, lyricism and vocal delivery nodding to their musical heroes while keeping you entertained with unique personality. And, they look the part.

The Surfin’ Birds have been flying around the south coast for over a decade and after a short hiatus, the Sharod brothers, Paul (lead vocals and guitar) and Liam (drums), rejoined forces in the summer of 2020, itching to begin recording again. After endless gigging, busking and a humble side hustle on Paul’s behalf as a bin man during lockdown, the original Birds saved every penny to create a portable DIY studio.

Somewhere along the way, they crossed paths with young prodigy Bobby Sparks and sparks flew… and thus the third Bird was adopted. Long nights at Paul Sharod’s flat were spent smoking and jamming the time away, earning them a band of fans of homeless folk who would regularly congregate outside the chip shop Paul lives above and anticipate the groovy sounds that would escape the old windows (granted they originally gathered for free food given to them by the chip shop staff). These times gradually morphed into 8+ hour days of recording in a new and improved DIY studio set up in Spark’s parents’ home ode to them being away in Mexico for five months. With over 40 gigs under their belt as a trio, recording for their new album, Blue Room, begun.

Blue Room, endearingly named after the Sharod brothers’ parents’ band in the 1980s, is the first album to be released out of the three albums they have under wraps currently. As of today, the 24th of November 2023, Blue Room is freshly out today, right now, and ready for your hearing pleasure.

For a taste of what you’re in for when indulging in Blue Room, as previously mentioned, the Birds’ infectious and recognisable sound and personality is portrayed perfectly in the track “So Supernatural”. Or, if you fancy a more grungey groove with a subtle ode to The Cramps and a nod to “Graveyard Groupie” from their previous self-titled record, check out “Junkie”.

Blue Room is a suitably lo-fi, fuzzy, production job that on some albums would be a bad thing but here is perfect – creating a sonic experience that feels like a nostalgic relic from the 1960s. The talents of all three members illuminate this musical tapestry, making any attempt to verbally capture its essence a futile endeavour. Instead, immerse yourself in its brilliance, as the sheer goodness of the sound beckons for a firsthand experience.

And if you ever find yourself down south, I can’t articulate how much I encourage you to go and indulge yourself in the priceless experience that is seeing The Surfin’ Birds perform live if you get the chance.

Check out The Surfin’ Birds’ website here, with links to the rest of their socials, discography along with their brand new album, Blue Room.