The 1990s weren't exactly a golden age for surf rock, but that doesn't mean the genre disappeared entirely. While grunge, pop-punk, and nu-metal dominated the airwaves, a handful of bands were quietly keeping the twangy guitars and reverb-drenched tones of surf alive.
A lot of these bands weren't trying to compete with the mainstream. They were just doing their own thing, keeping the genre from fading away.
Whether through nostalgia, irony, or genuine love for the style, the 1990s gave us some surprisingly strong entries in the surf rock catalog, if you knew where to look.
The best songs of 1990s surf rock
1. Man or Astro-Man? - "Maximum Radiation Level"
If you're into the weirder, more sci-fi side of surf, Man or Astro-Man? Pretty much owned that niche in the '90s. "Maximum Radiation Level" is tight, fast, and full of B-movie flair, with its crunchy guitar tones and out-there samples.
The band was doing something different by leaning hard into the retro-futuristic aesthetic, and this track is a perfect example of their approach: surf music that felt both vintage and ahead of its time.
2. Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet - "Having an Average Weekend"
You might recognize this one as the theme song from The Kids in the Hall, but even without the comedy show connection, it's a killer surf track.
It's a little looser than the genre's classic 1960s roots, with more of a post-punk influence, but the tone is pure surf. The guitar work is catchy without trying too hard, and there's a laid-back cool to the track that makes it timeless.
3. The Mermen - "Pulpin' Line"
The Mermen pushed surf rock into more atmospheric territory, and "Pulpin' Line" is them at their best. It's got all the familiar surf elements: wet reverb and driving rhythm, but they stretch things out and play with space in a way that feels more expansive than traditional surf.
It's a bit jammy, but not in a way that feels indulgent. If you're looking for something that bridges surf and post-rock, this is probably your best bet.
4. Self - "Paint by Numbers"
These guys brought an artsy sense to the genre, elevating it with catchy riffs and high-energy performances. "Paint by Numbers" is short and sharp; no filler, just great guitar interplay and punchy drums.
It's anti-mainstream lyricism delivers for those non-conforming listeners, and is overall a cool, funky tune with some synthesizers layered in.
5. The Bomboras - "Return of the Death Ray"
If you want something that hits hard, this is the track for you. The Bomboras brought a garage rock edge to their brand of surf, and "Return of the Death Ray" feels like they're trying to blow the roof off a basement show.
It's rough around the edges, full of fuzz, and all the better for it. They weren't afraid to lean into the genre's cheesier side, and it made their songs that much more exciting.