Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | These tracks represent the first audio record of Beachkrieg!, a burgeoning surfband from Santa Clara, California. They are murky and mono, but nonetheless display a band with a flair for the dramatic and original arranging ideas to make even their covers seem original. This just has that formative period feel, but is really awful sounding, and some covers don't even get the melody right. |
Picks: Miserlou, Pipelyne, Running, Spykiller, Ùberditty, Rumble
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
More or less founded in surf's sixties vision, yet very fresh, "Miserlou" is eerily gothic and mysterious. Surf rides amid progressive ghoul rock with fine arranging and serious-dramatic imagery. Superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
While fairly traditional, the organ's pumped circulating chords create a carnival effect with a 1965 flair. Spirited and on the dark side, yet fulfilling the forward-looking surf requirement. Slower than most versions these days, and retitled to fit their image and theme, "Pipelyne" has a garage band feel with the coming garage-psych sound just around the corner.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Running" is a long track at 4:36, opening with drums rolling out military drama that evolves into a kind of traumatic theme. The melody is more developed than much of the surf genre, again lending itself to the local transitional post-surf period. You can hear the coming of prog five years hence, and the roots of surf still holding it together.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Spykiller" uses a circulating melody riff and frat-rock keys. It's likely a great party song like. Much less developed than the others here.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Ùberditty" seems like it's on the verge of a great song, but still formative. The melody is there, and the arrangement is gelling. Pretty cool song.
Surf (Instrumental)
Uncle Link's guitar anthem is pumped ut slowly with organ and reverb and tense drama. It sure sounds like prog's beginnings. Quite original.
