Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is a very intriguing disc, with an original blend of surf and prog and Renaissance ideas. Well recorded and mixed, and very engaging. It's not trad by any means, but I really like it.

I thought I'd add a couple of demos I came across on the web to the review. I'd really like to have better quality versions of these - the mp3's just don't do them justice!

Picks: Escape From The Nuthouse, Swingers' Club, Cruisin' & Rockin', N2O, Crackerjack, Riding With Outlaws, Showdown, Sex Maniac, Starfish Lagoon, Glory Boy, Surf Detective, Drink The Night, Oceans Of Time, Gypsy Skank, Opium Den

Surf (Instrumental)

Glass beaks and sirens shout urgently before thrashing double picked mayhem ensues. "Escape From The Nuthouse" is somewhat melodic, but its dominant characteristic if frantic energy and a surf beat. On the punk side, but with much more surf guitar.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Swingers' Club" is fast and frantic and attractive in a can't sit still kinda way. The dry ska-like riffs have a splash despite the absence of reverb. High energy and spirited celebration.

Surf (Instrumental)

Fast and a bit meandering, "Cruisin' & Rockin'" is a splendidly topdown dribbling inda tune which makes it difficult not to get with the program. Quite infectious!

Surf (Instrumental)

The uplifted spirits and liquid flow of "N2O" is amped by whammy chords and great drums. Solid bass and elevated enthusiasm round out the energy burst that is this song. Way cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

A funky bass line and undulating beat run against relatively dry licks with warbly whammy and an engaging sound. "Crackerjack" is a splendid track that's attractive and very engaging.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Riding With Outlaws" moves slowly through a sad desert scene where the unspeakable is inevitable. There's a cautious better day ahead feeling that runs just below the surface of the unavoidable fate. Quite nice.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Showdown" rocks. Great punky speed drums and frantic Spanish splash are intensified by whammy warble and shuts of "hey." This reminds me a bit of Slacktone without surf effects on the guitar. Exceptional playing all around, but particularly on the very fast double picking.

Rock (Instrumental)

This very rock oriented speed flash number harkens back to an era when Phil Manzanera and Eddie Van Halen were guitar gods. Imagine Marshall stacks at the beach.

Country (Instrumental)

"Starfish Lagoon" is a slow countrified number with a fresh air meadow sound and imagery. It's a lovely piece of music with an intellectual edge tempered by liquid notes. Very nice.

Surf (Instrumental)

This fastish rompin' number has great drums and spirit, along with superb piano. I am reminded of the Albion Doo-Wah LP from Cat Mother and the All Night News Boys here, but it's less country than that and more rolling energized. Totally infectious!

Surf (Instrumental)

With a slightly distant ambiance, "Surf Detective" uses a kinda goofy rhythm to make you grin. It's pretty fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big stinging whammy chords and a soulful rolling bass line keep this relatively jammy number from descending into Neverland. Lots of energy.

Surf (Instrumental)

In a sort of minuet for the beach, "Oceans Of Time" reminds me of a Jim Thomas structure, but is not at all like the Mermen. It is an interesting combination of classical imagery and rock. Great strings and superb piano hint at the wonderful early tracks from Renaissance when Keith Relf founded the band with Jim McCarty and Jane Relf. There are Mediterranean influence and lots of very cool energy. The more this was on, the more I liked it! Superb!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Gypsy Skank" has a great deal of energy and flying double picked guitar notes, and they are well supported by a very cool bass line and great drums. Rich textures and arranging. I don't know why this didn't make the disc, but it's worth searching out.

Surf (Instrumental)

This very sad instro uses very cool violin in the lead to tell its unfortunate tale. The epic swing through its various scenes is well paced and quite visual. The track is mono, except for the haunted chorus. Excellent.