Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This is an excellent CD. This Connecticut band is riding less traveled waves with their trio sound and reggae look. The sound is pretty crunchy and the surf power very evident. Solid and entertaining. |
Picks: Storm Rider, Mission From Spy Island, Surf Denial, Atlantic Surfer, Kam Fong as Chin Ho, Sea Monkey, Mule Train, Dragon Wagon
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
A major reverb crash announces "Storm Rider" as the surf monster it is. This is a very cool track, powerful and crunchy, and loaded with surf spunk. The sound delivers an image of big surf. Some very nice guitar work, especially in the break.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dissonant espionage garage, chopped chunk and stilted breakwater. It doesn't flow very smoothly, not fluid or demanding, but power driven and mean.
Surf (Instrumental)
Exotic drums and suave guitar with a fluid bass line. "Surf Denial" invokes images of tropical shores and sensual nights. Very nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
I suppose the surf is different on the Atlantic shores, or at least it would seem so here. Trad underpinnings and colonial constructs with reverb and flair. Nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dedicated to Hawaii Five-Ø supporting character Chin Ho, this tune churns out a relentless reverb bath. A bit too much of a jam for my taste.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Sea Monkey" churns out a relentless reverb bath. A bit too much of a jam for my taste.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Mule Train" is a slower, more subtle tune, with big chords and a moody melody line. It has a sense of adventure about it, perhaps even mystique. It's both delicate and crunchy. Grins all around.
Surf (Instrumental)
Right from the opening glissando, "Dragon Wagon" speaks of fast rides and power cut backs. It straddles the fence between trad and post modern, with thundering bass and pounding drums, and dark chords and guitar chunk.
