Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Surf legend Merrell Fankhauser's latest set of instrumentals is sweeping and majestic, with dramatic melodies and spatial sound. While quite a distance from traditional surf, there's no question that the sea is in virtually every song's imagery. I found this CD immediately enjoyable, and very well played. It's certainly on the easy side, and very well thought out.

Picks: Signals From Zoran, Stardazed, Oceano, Bimini Road, Catalina USO, Waterstart, Area 51, Crash Landing, Aliens In The Mist, Skinny Dippin, Shadow People, Cocktails In Space, Star Spangled Banner

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Signals From Zoran" is a lovely, slow song with pristine tone and big drama. It's imagery is cinematic is scope and power. There's no shortage of orchestral feeling, though it's just guitars, bass, and drums. Very cool!

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This lovely tune moves gently through a starry evening draped in a thin moonlight veil. "Stardazed" presents a sweeping panorama of the night sky, seen through rose colored glasses. Quite beautiful.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Oceano" has a bright afternoon sea air smell in every line. Its playful melody and warm arrangement are pure enjoyment. The flute adds an aboriginal sense. It's a relaxing summer song about a nice little town near where Merrell Fankhauser lives. It makes you want to visit!

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The natural limestone formations just off North Bimini Island in The Bahamas are often seen as remnants of a lost civilization. It is from this romantic view that this lovely song paints a picture of beauty and lushness. Long, pristine notes, sometimes bent with love, flow gently out of Merrell's guitar as if they were a brook running softly through virgin forests. Simply beautiful!

Surf (Instrumental)

Eerie sounds, water lapping at the shore, and a somewhat uneasy melody set up a vision of an unidentified submerged object. I'm struck by the way this could have been an evolved Joe Meek track, mostly from the arrangement, effects, and use of a chorus. All that aside, "Catalina USO" is a slow but attractive surf instro, with double picked guitar and whammy.

Rock (Instrumental)

An intriguing chord progression opens "Waterstart." It's a classic AABA progression based instro. Horns add period charm. This track has a feel of fifties rock, with sax and keys and that decade's structure.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Weird keys and spatial ambiance precede a spooky number with an ominous unknown feeling. Drama, veiled danger, and desert night air permeate "Area 51" for a very visual look at the great unknown. Close your eyes and you see George Noory.

Surf (Instrumental)

A fine rhythm track and cool tone deliver a gentle surf instro with great visuals and guitar work. Double picked, whammified, dangerous, and enticing. "Crash Landing" really caught my attention. Its modest pace is powerful when combined with its imagery. A very good arrangement and wonderful melody.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Aliens In The Mist" uses liquid whammy and a very nice melody riff. It is a moderately paced number with rich sound and a classic structure under a wholly original melody.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a faster number with slide chords and a circular AABA progression. "Skinny Dippin" is fun with a classic rock instro structure. Liquid guitar and saucy sax.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

With dungeonous ambiance and a spy-like melody line, "Shadow People" moves slowly along a lonely waterway. The violin adds sweetness to the sad melody. Mysterious and uneasy. The violin is superb!

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Cocktails In Space" moves gently along with beautiful tone and playing. Gentle rain outside, flute inside, and pleasant thoughts for company. Very pretty.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Merrell Fankhauser has done a splendid job with "Star Spangled Banner." It's beautiful, richly toned, and displays great reverence for the subject matter. This is perhaps the prettiest, most endearing cover in rock.