The Surf Industry gathered in Solona Beach last night for a performance by Tim Curran and The Beautiful Girls, from Australia. The last time I saw Curran, he played a solo show at Lestat's, and although I really enjoyed the songs from his debut EP the addition of a backing band was a major upgrade.  His drummer and utility man were both on point, and really made the music come alive.

Tim Curran - Photo by Alex Oat

The Beautiful Girls were up next.  They drew quite a crowd for an international act, but that did not surprise me for long.  When Matt McHugh came out with an acoustic guitar, scruffy beard and shaved head, he looked remarkably similar to another surf rocker... and although the initial part of his set could have been lifted from "In Between Dreams", the vibe changed half way in.  McHugh switched to an electric guitar, allowed his drummer to let his hair down a bit, and completely changed styles, something I have been waiting to hear from the previously mentioned surf rocker for quite some time.

The Beautiful Girls - Photo by Alex Oat

If this doesn't look like Jack Johnson...

Jack Johnson look-a-like - Photo by Alex Oat