Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. 80
    Ultimately, Tarot Classics is a fun and welcome addition to any existing Surfer Blood fan's catalogue, even if it is unlikely to win over any new fans.
  2. Tarot Classics so efficiently sets to buoyant, energetic music a viewpoint that is not only discontent but increasingly disinterested. And it's all somewhat hidden, because party tunes these can still be.
  3. Nov 3, 2011
    60
    Growing pains and all, Tarot Classics does keep things interesting enough by working with and building on the qualities that helped Surfer Blood make a big splash with Astro Coast.
  4. Alternative Press
    Nov 1, 2011
    70
    Really, Surfer Blood always reminds us so much of the Pixies, and that isn't changing much with Tarot Classics. [Dec 2011, p.124]
  5. Oct 28, 2011
    76
    Tarot Classics isn't remarkable, but it reminds you just how good Surfer Blood are when it comes to songwriting, just how much fun it is to listen to this band, even if they're getting a tad gloomier.
  6. Oct 25, 2011
    80
    Its new four-song EP continues with that sturdy foundation [from Astro Coast], even as it occasionally hints at larger arena-rock ambitions.
  7. Oct 25, 2011
    75
    If that debut was an all-you-can-eat buffet of tight power-pop nostalgia, Tarot Classics is the savory after-dinner mint you snatch on the way out the door.
  8. Oct 25, 2011
    83
    Without sounding like a throwback, Surfer Blood might be the best band currently in business that's playing by the same musical rules that made indie rock such a force back in the day. Exhibit A is the Tarot Classics EP.
  9. Oct 25, 2011
    70
    A four song EP that picks up where Astro Coast left off.
  10. Oct 25, 2011
    80
    Only four songs on here but it's a good four songs.
  11. Oct 25, 2011
    70
    The pop pandering is a little shameless, sure, but that's half the fun.
  12. Oct 24, 2011
    70
    While Astro Coast's nostalgia is missed, Tarot Classics finds Surfer Blood showing more potential to create something unique than their debut suggested.
  13. Oct 24, 2011
    72
    Tarot Classics' popcraft proves well beyond promising, and these songs are certainly sturdy enough to handle their lusher productions and knottier sentiments.
  14. Oct 24, 2011
    80
    Tarot Classics EP serves as their final effort for Kanine Records, as well as a brief, yet appropriate, layover while fans await their major label full-length debut.
  15. Oct 20, 2011
    75
    For now, these four remaining songs from their indie days are perfectly competent, reminiscent of the Pixies, and hard to remember even though they're perfectly tuneful.
  16. Oct 20, 2011
    80
    Fundamentally, this EP is the sound of a very good band becoming a great band.
  17. Oct 20, 2011
    70
    Tarot Classics might be nothing more than a pleasant, irreverent distraction, but Surfer Blood probably wouldn't have it any other way.
  18. Oct 20, 2011
    70
    The Florida band is now content to catch Pixies-ish waves of gentler mutilation and ride them 
to college-rock bliss.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. j30
    Nov 27, 2011
    6
    Some catchy grooves by the Florida based band. EP's are hard to rate because their not a full album length so it leaves you wanting more andSome catchy grooves by the Florida based band. EP's are hard to rate because their not a full album length so it leaves you wanting more and driving yourself crazy. The produced quality has hurt some of the charm that I liked from Astro Coast, but I still want more of it. Full Review »
  2. Oct 25, 2011
    9
    Not as good as Astro Coast, but some very catchy tunes and a good EP from Surfer Blood. It seems to carry the same youthful nuance asNot as good as Astro Coast, but some very catchy tunes and a good EP from Surfer Blood. It seems to carry the same youthful nuance as exhibited in Astro Coast, but Tarot Classics is a more refined, which I didn't like. That being said, I can't wait for the third album. Full Review »