Only in California would you find a band like Elektrik Sunset: a blend of surfer rock a la Camper Van Beethoven and the stripped down energy of the punk genre…in short, perfect for a Warren Miller video on the ski slopes or shots of summer skating in swimming pools, concrete sidewalks or just about any hard surface likely covered in graffiti art.

a toned down version of some of the tuneage churned out in the age of Mötley Crüe‘s “Girls, Girls, Girls,”–a little dated, but boisterous nonetheless

Straight out of Oakland, the threesome even sound a little like local band, Safe Boating Is No Accident, with Joe Gusich‘s laidback twang–as if to say, “Let’s chill,” while handing you a beer or two before sliding back on stage to jam out.

“I Feel” head-bobs hooky and as fun as an Irish drinking song with simple chord work and sing-a-long lyrics. A grittier stomper, “Hey! Now! Baby!” rasps a bit monotone, heavy on the cymbal and featuring in its background samples of a husky-voiced woman beside an electric guitar solo destined for imitation by future air guitar players. Another ridiculously fun track, “Western Star,” is a toned down version of some of the tuneage churned out in the age of Mötley Crüe‘s “Girls, Girls, Girls,”–a little dated, but boisterous nonetheless.

ES Band Photo KimosAlthough Elektrik Sunset won’t likely turn up on the playlists of those who prefer the “Electric Avenue” of synth pop, the band’s latest record, Fish Dinner Party, is a friendly sound free of trying too hard and perfectly ripe in relaxation.

Elektrik Sunset are found online at Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter and their official website.

“Western Star”

“Frozen Fish Dinner”

Sal ChristSal Christ is a writer  with headphones glued to her ears. Getting some hang time upside down daily is of the utmost importance, as is an obsession with the PCH. For more music action, follow her on Twitter or email her.