The “beach goth” boys from Dana Point are back at it. The band’s unique sound fuses garage rock with influences ranging from metal to hip-hop. Their everything-but-the-kitchen-sink aesthetic even inspired the band to create their own Beach Goth Festival, which kicked off in 2012 and has hosted headliners as diverse as Die Antwoord, Grimes, Gucci Mane, and the Strokes’ Julian Casablancas. Says singer Brooks Nielsen of the new tune, “It’s an old term we used growing up. Like, ‘That kid’s a try-hard.’ Trying too hard to be popular, trying to be successful. If I feel like I’m trying too hard at anything, I have to check myself. The lyrics are directed at me, keeping me in line, reminding me to take a break, but don’t quit.”
Other tracks on Natural Affair—like the vibey, Casiotone flavor of “Shadow Woman” or the forlorn “Truly”—show off the band’s pop flair. The domestic leg of their tour is over, but international dates all over Europe resume in January and February.
Click here to review dates and listen to “Try Hard Fool.”
