Being Dead’s Van Goes: Austin Indie Punk Goes Surfing

Being Dead is a very difficult band to describe. They are mainly a duo made of Falcon Bitch (Juli Keller) and Shmoofy (Cody Dosier), but will add a third member, Ricky Motto (Nicole Roman-Johnson) on some tracks and when playing live. This experimental band is part improvisation, part indie rock, a dash of skater punk and a healthy dollop of surfer rock. However they would describe themselves, the largely lo-fi tracks are catchy and fun. Being Dead is making a name for themselves in the Austin scene, but they have the energy and hooks to jump to a national stage.

A track that sums up Being Dead’s vibe is Van Goes on the record EELS. This is a fun track that wears its skater guitar and Animal Collective / Shins – esque vocals on its sleeve. The guitar drifts in and out of skater vibes and a Beach Boys Surfin’ USA vibe with stripped back snare percussion and lots of energy. It is actually pretty amazing to get such energy out of largely a two instrument arrangement. There is the occasional synth explosion, but it is mainly guitar and snare. Much like Violent Femmes or 80s punk, this is a band that can every last drop of energy out of very little.

The vocals are largely monotone in delivery and have that Wet Leg kind of “I’m too cool for this song” vibe, which I adore. However, the surfer harmonies and occasional vocal power surges by Falcon Bitch gives the track some complex and interesting vocal gymnastics. Having said that, the vocals are clean, tight and harmonise well together. The song itself is about how to manage debilitating emotions of depression and references Van Gogh. There are lighter moments in the track as well with lighter plays on words and fun…and that is the band. Serious themes and musical talent wrapped in improv fun. It is a magical combination that is great to listen to.

Being Dead is a band of contrasts. Lighter themes of fun and frivolity placed next to lyrics about soul crushing depression, while simple surfer / punk arrangements play against complex vocal manoeuvres. In the wake of The White Stripes a dozen cookie cutter indie / lo-fi bands came out without much heart and largely all sound the same. Being Dead has indie, surfer and lo-fi aesthetics, but the heart of the band comes through and makes for an enriching musical experience.

Listen to Van Goes: