![The artwork for Nude Beach's sophomore album "II."](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/50/c9/50c932cc3a6dc2b2e32666333be946c8.jpeg?itok=JCP1IXMC "The artwork for Nude Beach's sophomore album "II."")
Nude Beach is a Brooklyn-based trio specializing in a mix of straight-up rock ‘n’ roll, power pop and surf rock. Vocalist/guitarist/pianist/organist Chuck Betz, drummer/vocalist/percussionist Ryan Naideau and bassist Jimmy Shelton started out playing punk music back in their high school days living in Northport, New York. Since the formation of this current project in 2008, they’ve played a major role in their borough’s DIY scene; they’ve played in lofts and bars, self-financed releases and tours, and had numerous side-projects. On Nude Beach's sophomore full-length II (written by Betz and re-pressed on the Other Music Recording Co. label after the original run of 500 sold out,) they dish out more nostalgic ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired summer-day-and-night rock, mostly dwelling on romantic themes.
This album isn’t revolutionary or deeply philosophical, but it doesn’t need to be: it’s simply ten guitar-oriented feel-good songs drawing from artists (Tom Petty, The Replacements, etc.) and styles (roots, punk, etc.) that many people are familiar with, and the result works very well. My favorite tracks include the invigorating surf-tinged opener “Radio,” the moonlit-sounding ‘50s-style anthem “Keep It Cool” and the crooning thrill-ride “Cathedral Echoes.”
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