New Zealand’s Surf City emerged as one “easily one of the most anticipated bands at CMJ 2009” (New York’s Brooklyn Vegan). And it’s no wonder. They were all over US College Radio and setting the blather world blogging. Even the big papers got in on the story, The Washington Post writing that they “work up a head of steam but never boil over into chaos…a fine line that Surf City walks admirably”.

But, despite this recent international attention, at home the band has long been known…at least to those in the know. Their debut self-titled EP got a local release in 2007 on Arch Hill Recordings and it quickly became a student radio favourite. At the time, Pavement magazine stated: “It seems like decades since any New Zealand band has managed to evoke the same feeling that The Clean and Straightjacket Fits did”

Word on the EP spread and the music travelled. Top shelf labels such as Popfrenzy in Australia and Morr Music in Germany took a shine to the band. Soon the EP was available all over the world.

From go Surf City have become notorious for their sets of mastered cacophony. Their live show has garnered them local support slots with Interpol, Dinosaur Jnr, Battles, MGMT and Auckland’s inaugural Laneway Festival.

Now, following numerous day jobs and several flat evictions, Surf City have a brand new album all set for worldwide release in mid 2010. But in the meantime, to get warmed up and stretch their legs, the band are hitting the road through New Zealand, Australia and the USA – including SXSW.

• 26^th February – Whammy Bar – Auckland, NZ – with Songs
• 27^th February – Mighty Mighty – Wellington, NZ – with Songs
• 28^th February – Arch Hill/Mystery Girl BBQ – Kings Arms, Auckland
• 4^th March – Goodgod Club – Sydney, Australia – with Songs
• 6^th March – John Cutrain Hotel – Melbourne, Australia – with Songs
• 12^th March – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, USA – with the Clientele
• 13^th March – Spaceland – Los Angeles, USA – with The Fresh and Onlys
• 14^th March – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, USA
• 18th March – Friends – SXSW – Austin, USA
• 19^th March – Urban Outfitters Party/Ground Control Touring – SXSW – Austin, USA – with Real Estate, Dum Dum Girls
• 20^th March – Popfrenzy Party – SXSW – Austin, USA
• 22^nd March – Union Hall – Brooklyn, USA – with Bachelorette
• 23rd March – Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, USA – with Bachelorette
• 24^th of March – Metro Gallery – Balitmore, USA – with Bachelorette
• 25^th March – Maxwells – Hoboken, USA
• 26^th March – Mercury Lounge – New York, USA