So here at D.I.D., we’re huge supporters of Real Estate. Their tunes are so dreamy, and the release of their full-length album has hijacked my week. This album is so easy to listen to on repeat, and almost demands it, each time different subtle nuances rise to the surface. There is a familiarity within their sound for me, that makes it feel more like coming home than exploring a new album. Though they’re often described as surfy-beach-rock, there is a tinge of melancholy to a lot of their songs, which I think makes it all the more accessible. This brand of sincere rock makes it nearly impossible not to fall in love with these boys (and it doesn’t hurt that they put on a damn good live show). I see myself riding the wave for a long, long time. “Beach Comber” is the easily accessible first date, and “Atlantic City” is the addictive instrumental that will convince you to accept their proposal. They’re on tour right now, so catch ‘em while you can!

Real Estate – Beach Comber
Real Estate – Atlantic City

Tuesday night, I found myself at The Black Cat once more, to check out the show where Jerseyians Real Estate were opening for Girls. What a perfect show for a weekday night!

Real Estate kicked it off, opening to a considerable crowd, who all seemed pleased to see them. As my friend Ali described it, it “was a smooth sweet ride”, and I couldn’t agree more. The music washed over us and flowed together so smoothly, I could hardly discern the track shifts. It was more like being invited on a serene jam, in the best of ways. Also doesn’t hurt that they’re the nicest bunch of guys. As for all the lo-fi comparisons (guilty), here’s what frontman Martin has to say, “If we could record in the studio, I would do it in a second,” Courtney says. The Real Estate album, out on Nov. 17, “has definitely got a demo vibe. I think it sounds good for sure, but it’s not a choice we made to sound that way. It’s just the way it is.” Check the rest of the interview with the City Paper, here. I’m tempted to say, well I’m just going to say it, these boys definitely outshined their headliners, and it’s not just my personal opinion (or my Bennington bias), you could feel a definite shift in vibe from the crowd. Check out their previously posted tracks, here.

I didn’t really know much about Girls going into this whole experience. Much much much more low key than Real Estate, the general energy of the show took a dive. That being said, it wasn’t entirely unenjoyable, just unremarkable. A little bit more mopey than I usually take my coffee. The more upbeat tracks I can get into, and these recommendations come straight from the mouth of Ali Walton, with whom I agree wholeheartedly.

Overall, I had an enjoyable low-key evening with the occasional dancing (head bopping, gentle swaying and the like). Boys will be Girls, but that is some damn fine Real Estate (sorry I just had to squeeze in a little cheese).

Girls – Lust For Life
Girls – Laura

I’ll never forget the first time that Alex Bleeker approached me about engineering a show for his band Real Estate.  He told me it was their third gig, and they really just wanted to sound like they were underwater.  Since then, Real Estate have found themselves on some big sites and considered pioneers of the lo-fi scene.  I was lucky enough to engineer another show for them last week, and they played one solid ass set.  It was crazy to hear how well their sound has evolved over the last year.  Every song they played was magic.  Bonus closing with their version of Mountain Man’s Animal Tracks.

One of the best parts of the show was a set by Twigz, the neo-psychedelic/experimental brainchild of Tom Greenberg.  I’ve been able to hear snippets from his No Picnic EP, and I really think it’s gonna leave some deep impressions in a lot of people.  Lots of chaos combined with something beautiful.  Hopefully they’ll be able to hit some cities when the EP is complete.

Real Estate – Pool Swimmers

Real Estate – Black Lake

Twigz – Buggy Tide