Beach Fossils are an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, active since 2009. The group begins as a solo project for Dustin Payseur and grows into a full band with a changing line-up.

Formation and early releases

Beach Fossils form in 2009 and first record as an expansion of Payseur’s solo work. In the same year, bassist John Peña and guitarist Christopher Burke join for the group’s initial tour. Their debut single, Daydream / Desert Sand, appears in 2010 on Captured Tracks, followed by the self-titled debut album later that year. The album receives favourable reviews.

Line-up changes

The band’s membership changes over the following years. John Peña leaves in 2011 to form Heavenly Beat, while guitarist Cole Smith departs for his solo project, DIIV. Tommy Gardner joins on drums in 2012, helping establish the line-up that follows.

Sound and releases

Beach Fossils are associated with lo-fi, indie pop, indie rock and surf-influenced styles, and are described as having an atmospheric sound. Payseur’s vocal style is a notable part of the band’s identity. Their second album, Clash the Truth, comes out in 2013 and reaches number 40 on the Independent Albums chart. Payseur describes the record as dealing with the aftermath of moving away from home and the uncertainty that follows. After a long break, the band releases its third album, Somersault, in 2017.

Members

The group’s listed members are Dustin Payseur, Tommy Gardner, Jack Doyle Smith and Tommy Davidson. Other members mentioned in the band’s history include John Peña, Christopher Burke and Cole Smith.