Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

16 killer tracks from the Dutch Masters of Surf! This is one of the BEST and LOUDEST bands EVER! This CD is not as well produced as their last. Too much general track reverb, which takes away from both their edge and their incredible energy. Still, there are few better bargains than a new Apemen CD. This is a must-have CD. Get the idea I like these guys? Pure, unadulterated supersonic surf rage! The Trashmen's "King Of The Surf" is delivered as "El rey del Surf" in Spanish.

Picks: Cor Steijn Rides The Wild, Het Grote Surffeest, Tokonado, Joop Walvis Hangs Ten, De Wip, Surf Dracula, Los Broodje, Bongo Bongo, Shake Your Hoover, Space Race, Bahareba [Baha-Ree-Bah], El Tortura, Queen Jacula, Anestesia, When Johnny Comes Wreckin' Home

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Can you spell "raging?" "Cor Steijn Rides The Wild" races a long at a blinding pace, with big chords and a genuine garage feel. More rock than surf, this is nonetheless a solid anthemic instro.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Het Grote Surffeest" is actually the Astronauts' "Surf Party." High powered delivery, shredding lead guitar work, and blinding speed over drum thunder.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Tokonado" is actually "Toronado," dedicated to the classic Oldsmobile. The thick over reverbed sound masks some of the intense energy of this amazingly well written surf pounder. A melodic and rhythmic riff drives this home. The keys are suitably low in the mix for the most part.

Surf (Instrumental)

Spooky keys, merciless guitar attack, and high power aren't enough to overcome the nearly non-melodic riff.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a Northwest riff rocker with a flying lead. Again a minimal melody band a jam backtrack are not enough to make the grade.

Surf (Instrumental)

Rhythmic eastern block feel and flying surf leads work well together. Images of dancing Cossacks and shortboard surf bunnies is irresistible. "Surf Dracula" is actually a surfed up arrangement of "Soul Dracula" by Hot Blood.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big dark and rhythmic, this melodic tune speaks of journeys along the coast highway at night. It's trotting beat and soothing lead line invoke dark shorebreak images dimly lit from automobile lights. Subtle keyboards and infectious rhythm.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Bongo Bongo" rides over a Northwest backtrack. The lead is sad, or maybe slightly mean. Very fast and bouncy.

Surf (Instrumental)

Distorted and overdriven fiery performance from the Apemen... totally horrid sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

This Gary Paxton number appeared on the Ventures' "In Space" album. There it was light and childish. Here it's heavier and more playful, slightly weird and definitely more enjoyable. The whirling keyboards are way cool.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Trademarks' wonderful "Bahareba [Baha-Ree-Bah]" is shredded mightily. Fast and poundy, driven like there's no tomorrow. The organ carries the mariachi horn lines, and the lead guitar rages at 90 miles an hour. Excellent!

Surf (Instrumental)

"El Tortura" defines surf sludge! It's huge, lumbering, intense, majorly dark and mean. Riff surf a la Link Wray at Waimea. Thunder, monster tubes, and pure evil.

Surf (Instrumental)

A very playful surf riff, speedy attack, rhythmic bed, and pounding surf beat drums. Really well concocted, and more than just a riff. It drives and grins.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Nation Rockin' Shadows issued this thirty some years back. The Apemen recreate it as only these mad Norsemen can. It's big and darker than the original.

Surf (Instrumental)

Not since the Lancers brazen garage surf epic of the early sixties has this Civil War classic been so powerfully pummeled. Shreddin' lead guitar, and thick crunch.