Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is the first album released by the Surf Raiders. Issued in 1982, it was among the few and rear early surf revival releases. As such, it was a welcome addition to the library. The LP was pressed on light blue vinyl. The sound is marginal, with many level problems and over-compensation from compression, but the performances are vibrant and powerful. The tracks are mostly covers, but that doesn't hold back the enjoyment. The Surf Raiders on this disc are Bob Dalley - lead guitar, Linda Dalley - organ, Neal Kuzee - rhythm guitar, Dave Rodriguez - drums, and Loyd Davis, bass.

Picks: The Curl Rider, Let There Be Surf, Rampage, Surf Raider, Crash, Pier Shootin', Squad Car, Tsunami, Unknown, Swami's Reef, Point Conception, Gum Dipped Slicks, Scratch

Surf (Instrumental)

This classic revival track is a fine, melodic, rhythmic pure surf tune with plenty of power and oodles of surfisms. The excellent writing alone makes this a really important track to the reemergence of surf instros.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a hot performance of the Chevells' great obscuro. It's very hot and fun, full of power. The energy is masked somewhat by the compression breathing and muddy sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

Rick and the Ravens' obscuro is delivered with the innocence of the original, but with more reverb. It's a melodic and infectious tune... a good pick to cover. The thickness of the reverb is excellent, and the sax is cool too. The band even included the hand claps.

Surf (Instrumental)

This track is notable as much for the incorrectly set compressor breathing as the tune. The effect adds to the charm. The tune itself is infectious enough, and is among the better Surf Raiders tracks. It is melodic, very trad, and dynamic.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Creations' "Crash" is covered here with great reverence. Pure trad surf stylings. "Crash" is a very infectious tune, and the band does well with it, fitting it nicely into their sound. Melodic, energetic, and well played.

Surf (Instrumental)

I don't know who did this originally (writers are Landsdowne & Morris), but it's a damn fine tune, and this is an exceptionally strong performance, though the compressor breathing really gets in the way sometimes. Melodic, powerful and infectious.

Surf (Instrumental)

Paul Johnson's tune made famous by Eddie & the Showmen is made more reverby by the Surf Raiders. Infectious sax reed sirens, and mucho pound. Horrid drums and muddy sound sap the life out of it.

Surf (Instrumental)

Opening with a dragged out cry of "Tsunami," this is an exercise in excellent surfisms and bad production. Big whammy chords, excellent reverberation, and uneven sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

The VyDells' "Unknown" is updated, a little less crunchy, and a little smoother. Solid cover, though the opening glissando is a little tentative, and the drums sound like cardboard.

Surf (Instrumental)

Middle eastern flutes and sounds hinting of the pyramids, before the fine surf melody comes forth. The bass is overpowering in the mix.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Point Conception" is an original. This is one of two versions the Surf Raiders recorded in the studio. This is more demo like, and not as interesting as "Point Conception '63." The compressor breathes mercilessly, detracting from the power. Otherwise, it might be as good as the other version.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Original Surfaris cut this as a single back in '63 or so. Here, the feel is retained, while the drums are ambient and thin. The melody is so cool on this song. Nice performance.

Surf (Instrumental)

Another Eddie and the Showmen tune, this cover is spirited and fun pure trad. Crude boom box recording.