Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Miles Corbin - Sounds From The Tiki Hut | This is the first solo release from the Aqua Velvets' primary writer and lead guitarist Miles Corbin. This disc ventures more into the exotic lounge domain than the AV's releases have. Some tracks are lush, others border on surf. This is a gorgeous album, destined for romantic interludes. Mile's playing and writing are spectacular. The arrangements are simple solo guitar against exotic percussion, but where others might fail, Mile Corbin reigns supreme. A truly gorgeous afternoon on the verandah kinda disc. |
Picks: Tiki Hut, Coconut Syrup Daydream Skies, Sister Moonlight, Indian Summer, Quintana Roo, Enchanted Island, Beats Around The Bush, Kahuna, California Slack, Trail To Magic Falls
Track by Track Review
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Delicate percussion and shimmering guitar work hinting of tropical islands. The melody is about as sinewy as it gets. This is an area that Miles has long excelled at. The beauty of the melody and guitar tone is stunning. Images of sleeping beauties in hammocks on the verandah of a tiki hut looking out across a quiet lagoon drip from every throb of the vibrato.
Coconut Syrup Daydream Skies Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Crisp chords ring in the wistful imaginary shapes in the puffy clouds over the water at sunset. It's a slow and delicate piece with a real romantic feel. I have a feeling that this was written with Grace in mind.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
"Sister Moonlight" reminds me slightly of Jade Warrior's "Lady Of the Lake." It has that sorta feel, though the tonality is certainly different. Delicate and precise, with guitar tone more like Miles uses with the Aqua Velvets. Fluid and romantic.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Slightly Indian flavored, moody and wistful, "Indian Summer" presents a soft twilight image of a warm fall day on the plains. Very romantic and pretty.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
This is a gorgeous track, with surfy reverb and exotic percussion. The throbbing vibrato guitar shimmers with emotional flair while the percussionists whoop on beat. It's a very appealing track, and by far the most surfable of all the tracks here. The more I listen to it, the more I like it.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Echoed spatial ambiance and female voicings, Spanish acoustic guitar, and a travelogue sense of adventure. It's a long bus ride, so you might as well watch the jungle pass you by from your observation point. Serapes and piña coladas, and sirens calling for you.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Reverbed surf and ringing guitar tone, with sultry moods and very emotional playing. This comes straight from the heart. It longs for a loved one back home with fond desire. Beautiful.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
Kahunabud (Miles Corbin) plays with a restrained and delicate passion on his acoustic guitar, behind his stinging electric shimmer. Very slow and sad, with a kind of worship of the swell. This really strikes an emotional chord.
Slack Acoustic (Instrumental)
"California Slack" is a faster tune with acoustic laid back attitude shifts in every corner. It is all about the go-with-the-flow set as they live in the here and now for all it's worth. Fun.
Tiki Surf (Instrumental)
This fine track shows off Miles amazing ability to dribble around a few notes played with lots of sustain in a way that defines minimal surf art. The skill is in the connection between his fingers and his heart. Beautiful and moving, a simple melody that portrays strong feeling and floating sadness. Absolutely gorgeous.