Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

The Bradipos IV are the real deal. No nonsense, straight ahead surf instrumentals. It was with great pleasure that I was privileged to record The Bradipos IV at KFJC in 2011 during their US tour after their performance at Forbidden Island in Alameda. I am honored to have mastered this direct-to-2-track recording for this release.

Picks: Everybody Up/Malaguena/Latin'ia, A Fistful Of Dollars, Wray-Man, Carmela, Mysterion, Reverb Gang, A Shot In The Dark, Gunsville, L'Inseguimento

Surf (Instrumental)

The Bradipos IV rip through three surf classics to open the show. The Fender IV's essential "Everybody Up" rocks and jives with its ska rhythm guitar. This is a string cover of this vital instro. The Trashmen's arrangement of "Malaguena" is rhythmic and powerful. It's big and powerful. The Sentinals' "Latin'ia" rounds out this fine medley. More trad surf in keeping with the band's sound than the original, they do it justice!

Surf (Instrumental)

Ennio Morricone's "A Fist Full Of Dollars" is very tastefully done. Great drums and very smooth bass create a fine bed for the two guitars to play off each other. A very fine version!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Wray-Man" is, as you might expect, a Link Wray homage. It's riff rockin' and raw. In some ways, it's reminiscent of "Branded" or maybe "Commanche," but with reverb.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Carmela" is a high-stress instrumental with a double picked Mediterranean melody. Much surfier than the album version, with tuff glissandos. Quite nice!

Surf (Instrumental)

Great drums and bass, with beautiful guitars complimenting each other. Solid balanced arranging. Its energy is strong, and its performance excellent.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Reverb Gang" is pulsing with surf rhythm and reverb. It's big and powerful, and shines with liquid power. Splendid playing and writing, and great drums. It's full of motion and energy, yet is very rich and full bodied. A very strong performance.

Surf (Instrumental)

Henry Mancini's "A Shot In The Dark" is playfully delivered with the signature rhythm pattern muted and wet, while the lead is all surfed out. The drums and bass are all Mancini with a rock edge.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Gunsville" first saw daylight on The Bradipos IV's first demo. It's an infectious rhythm track, with a haunting lead melody that displays a "Holiday Inn Spain" (Ray Beats) feel. Big whammy chords support the melody. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

"L'Inseguimento" is dark with great drums and rapid fire double picked leads. It's like running at double the limit down a hazardous coastal road. Engaging, very powerful and manic!