Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is the first real CD release for the Pyronauts. 15 surf instros played in a trad style with some inventive variations and arrangement ideas. The sound of the band is a little like Sacramento's Hypnotic IV, but slower and more delicate. I find this CD easy to play repeatedly, particularly "Go-Go Girl," the silky lap steel "Sleep Walk," and the soft approach to "Baja." Nice surf release.

Picks: Go-Go Girl, Surfin' Espana, Misirlou, Penetration, Apache, Walk, Don't Run, Pipeline, Boogieman, 4Q, Baja, Sleepwalk, The Ghastly Stomp, Peter Gunn, Mr. Moto, Nitrus

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fine interpretation of Ernesto Lecuona's "Malaguena," based loosely on the Trashmen's version, but more dramatic and delicate, and much more adventurous. Lots of chunk and rhythm, great surf reverb, and plenty of drama. A very nice track.

Surf (Instrumental)

A Spanish melody and sounds project an image of a slightly sad village scene, as if there's a funeral procession passing by. Great drums and interesting writing.

Surf (Instrumental)

Harsh driving grumbling thunder characterizes this version of "Misirlou." The vibrating bass and dribbling reverb guitar are nicely contrast against one another.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Pyramids' classic "Penetration" is delicately and respectfully played, with a kind of restrained feel. Very nice for a change.

Surf (Instrumental)

Jerry Lordan's Indian classic gets a facelift, with weird Indian shouts and whoops, and a softened approach. It's an interesting arrangement with lots of original ideas filtering out the one-more-cover effect.

Surf (Instrumental)

Very cool chord work and rich reverb surf lead guitar. Mostly pretty standard, but still very enjoyable.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Pyronauts play a very trad rendition of the Chantays' "Pipeline," with as much delicate chunk as they can muster. Nothing new here, but competent and enjoyable traditional sounds. The glissandoes are modeled on the Lively Ones' version.

Surf (Instrumental)

Spanish finger picking and reverb, solo guitar, and then a chunky spunky surf groover. The melody riff is trad in structure, and variable enough in delivery to avoid sounding repetitious. Some of the flying guitaristry is magically attractive. Cool track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"4Q" is a very cool variation on a classical Russian theme, with rich tone and an infectious gate. Stands up well to multiple listenings.

Surf (Instrumental)

Lee Hazelwood's classic "Baja" is played delicately and fluidly, in a softer setting than normal, and to great effect. This is such a flexible melody. Very nice track, delicate and dramatic, and friendly.

Surf (Instrumental)

Santo and Johnny's "Sleep Walk" is lap steel delivered over a slow surf bed with a warm sound and rich tone. Sinewy and suave for sure. It's almost as if they overdubbed the hit.

Surf (Instrumental)

Sparkling surf and monster motion, rhythmic and splashy, and quite fun. Low-E growl and high e sparkle, and excellent arranging. Hot dog!

Surf (Instrumental)

Now, this is a nice way to treat Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn!" Slow and silky, grumbly and full, and only hinting of a minor threat. As it speeds up, it gets more traditional and more menacing and more dribbling. very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

Paul Johnson's "Mr. Moto" is presented in a fairly true-to-form way, with the addition of a bass line and some different guitar interplay. Nice track.

Surf (Instrumental)

Dick Dale's "Nitrus" gets the full reverb and dribbly effect. It gives it a whole new character.