Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Gein and the Graverobbers - Hang Ten with Gein and the Graverobbers
 | Gein and the Graverobbers play trashy surf based horror rock like they were born of the Mummies, but sans keys. Some of this CD displays brilliant writing and arranging. Other parts seem too jammy. Most of the sound quality is lo-fi mono and murky. there are some great ideas here, and some really good executions as well. |
Picks: Graveyard Mind, Rock-N-Kroll, Creepshow, The Last Race, 5 Million Years To Earth, Spectre Stomp, Pogo's Crawlspace, Hot Rod Horror, Creep Course, 1428, Changeling Nursery, Gemini, Death Rattle, Camp Blood
Track by Track Review
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
Riffin' surf grind, with boomy bass and lots of drive. Slightly melodic, "Graveyard Mind" sounds dead - I don't mean performance-wise, but in the thematic sense. The delicate midsection is pretty cool.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
A slow "Garbage Can" / "Boss" progression based number with ample argh factor. Grumbly end-of-the-night spook rock.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a great shreddin' melodic surf rage... The grumble and the power drive "Creepshow" home. The guitar fills are inspired, and the bass is downright ugly.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
Aside from the murky sound, this sports some pretty interesting guitar tone and an infectious progression. I'd be willing to bet this would be very cool in a well recorded form. I really like the structure and ideas.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
Sorta "Out Of Limits" in slow motion, with shimmer and ominous bass lines. But wait, there's more, and it's thrashy surf dribble amassed in overdrive.
Surf (Instrumental)
A cute little vocal intro precedes this rippin' reverb tune. The melody riff is mighty infectious. No doubt that there are spooks in the amps either. Monsterisms permeate the middle of the track, and the dwell is set at eleven. Darn cool.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
"Pogo's Crawlspace" opens with a cute progression, which merges with a more jammin' bridge. I like the idea, but not the muddy sound. It also sounds a little underdeveloped to me.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
"Hot Rod Horror" is based on a driving riff, powered by a big bore V-8. Lots of energy and obvious fun, with dangerous hot rod sounds towards the end.
Creep Course Horror Surf (Instrumental)
fast and jammy, chord thrashy, and a little mean. Not very interesting or melodic.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
"1428" is an interesting piece of writing, with lots of possibilities. Throbs, shimmers, big twang, low-down grumbles, and tasteful drums. Solid tune.
Surf (Instrumental)
Sparkling vibrato notes open this menacing track. Lots of drive and mean intonation. There's danger all around, and a very infectious arrangement, full of drama and building power. Excellent track.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
From out of the murk comes the spaceling, out to get you. dark and gloomy, and with some nice changes. I think a fine track lies beneath the murk here.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
Great near-classic surf structure a la Surf Raiders, but without a melody focus. Mostly too boomy.
Horror Surf (Instrumental)
Big chord danger and drama oozes from the shadows on this one. It's not melodic, but sports enough changes to keep it interesting.