Surfing For Daisy Explores The Weight Of Addiction On New Song “Methamphetamine”
With their newest release, “Methamphetamine,” Surfing For Daisy delivers a stirring portrait of addiction that melds together emotionally visceral lyricism and a smooth yet raw soundscape. Serving as the fifth single from the band’s forthcoming sophomore album, the track finds its power in blunt emotion and storytelling, not afraid to lean into devastation. Surfing For Daisy utilizes their deeply expressive songwriting and musicianship to create a truly everlasting listening experience with “Methamphetamine.”
Blending alternative folk rock with hints of psychedelia, the six-piece — Nick Francis (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Bernabei (lead guitar), Steven Filippone (drums, percussion), Came Seidel (bass), Dan DiSantis (rhythm guitar, backup vocals) and Kathryn McCarty (keys, vocals) — has built a reputation for their spirit and elevating live acts. Since forming on a porch among friends in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Surfing For Daisy has earned growing praise and recognition with their 2025 self-titled debut album, a sold-out hometown show at The Stone Pony and now an upcoming performance at Lollapalooza’s BMI Stage in Chicago, where the live performance of “Methamphetamine” is sure to pull in even more supporters.
As the track begins, warm acoustic strums glide us into the song’s intimate nature. Right off the bat, Francis’s vocal performance is incredibly resonant, balancing control with an enveloping sense of emotion. As "Methamphetamine" unfolds, Francis allows himself to feel the struggle of this internal push and pull that addiction causes, dragging his voice into a gravelly edge that holds the weight of the story. As McCarty’s floating vocals harmonize in and out of the song, they add another layer to the storytelling: “And I broke my momma’s heart / And I know she wears the scars from it / She lies to all her friends / She says I’m doing well.” It’s as if the hurt caused to loved ones has become personified into a lingering voice in the back of Francis’s head.
Centered on the destruction that arises from the reality of addiction, “Methamphetamine” breaks open the space between recognizing the damage being done and finding the determination to turn that awareness into action. This heaviness exudes from every note and every word — the burden of addiction begrudgingly carried not only by the person using, but also by the people who care about them. Even with the shame and self-isolation, there is a quiet search for light despite having been settled in darkness for so long.
Filippone’s steady, supportive drums, the encompassing, atmospheric quality of both Bernabei and DiSantis’s guitars and the solemn echoes of Seidel’s bass each have their own voice. Every sonic piece fits together seamlessly and without strain, all conveying the same journey toward change while carrying the same emotional depth. It all further drives the care and passion poured into this song during its creation. In the song’s final moments, the bare-boned drums deliver the last heart-tugging hits that leave you bruised, but ultimately emotionally enlightened.
“Methamphetamine” is an unflinching reflection on the internal and external wreckage left in the wake of addiction, and the hesitant hope that change is still within reach. By immersing the listeners in songwriting that’s grounded in a reality that most shy away from, and through beautifully layered instrumentation, “Methamphetamine” stands as one of Surfing For Daisy’s most impactful releases yet and a provoking glimpse of the emotional depth still to come on their upcoming sophomore album.
