Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Sonic Screwdriver - 5ive-Headed Surf Monster
 | This is the first release from South Dakota's Sonic Screwdriver. This disc is all covers, with many being from The Atlantics and Los Mel-tones. It is The Atlantics material that the band does best, with the rest being more than demos, but just not very engaging or interesting. |
Picks: Surf's Up, Flight Of The Surf Guitar, Reef Break, Mission To Mazatlan, Dawn Patrol, Diamond Head, Big Swell, Incognito, Atlantic Echo
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a modest cover of Phil Sloane's TV theme. Great for a summer bar-b-cue, but it really does not stand out among the large number of versions out there.
Walk, Don't Run Surf (Instrumental)
This is a pretty tame cover of Johnny Smith's "Walk, Don't Run." The drums are pretty ambient sounding, and the arrangement is straight 1960 Ventures.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Atlantics' "In The Shadows" is nicely done in a modest Shadows kind of way. Definitely enjoyable and fit for a leisurely afternoon on the lagoon.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a really cover of Martin Cilia's "Surf's Up." There's warmth and charm in the performance and guitar tone, and the haunting keys add depth.
Flight Of The Surf Guitar Surf (Instrumental)
"Flight of the Surf Guitar" rocks! It doesn't quite have the abandon that The Atlantics delivered, but it nonetheless is very fun and enjoyable.
Surf (Instrumental)
Los Mel-tones' "Surf Before Sunrise" is fluent and fun, with leads traded between organ and guitar. While it doesn't stand out, it's very pleasant.
Surf (Instrumental)
This The Atlantics cover is very nice. There's solid energy and drive, and the playing is good. Big chords and open power.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Mission To Mazatlan" moves with easy energy and slight spy-like feelings. The groove really carries you all the way through. This is another Mel Waldorf song from his days fronting Los Mel-tones.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Chantays' "Pipeline" is modestly done, with the primary variant being the drums. It doesn't drive, but the chords ring and the mood is almost there.
Wipe Out Surf (Instrumental)
The drums really don't make it here. None of the power or liquid flair of Ron Wilson's style, and fairly stuff guitar just keep "Wipe Out" from becoming whole. The title is two words, not one word like the liners use, as the one word title is the Merrell Fankhauser song.
Surf (Instrumental)
Martin Cilia's lovely "Dawn Patrol" is done with ease and charm. The smoothness and tonal richness are just right.
A Day In The Life Of A Private Eye Surf (Instrumental)
Mile's Corbin's "A Day In The Life Of A Private Eye" suggests his tone, but lacks his phrasing altogether.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a modest version of Danny Hamilton's "Diamond Head." Relatively soft and easy, but also satisfying. Nothing special, but quite nice until the keys come along, which seem to be really out of place tonally on this track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Atlantics' "Big Swell" is done with a softer and lower energy sound, but it has some very nice moments, especially the stinging whammy chords.
James Bond Theme Surf (Instrumental)
Classic film score done with a moody feel and gritty guitar. This is probably the most modern tonally of all the tracks here, but it's also not particularly interesting.
Surf (Instrumental)
Another Mel Waldorf composition, "Incognito" is fun and nice to hear covered, but if you're familiar with the original, you likely will find it a bit stiff at times by comparison. That said, it's a nice track that's an easy, fun listen.
Surf (Instrumental)
Military drums and Euro guitar styling pay homage to Martin Cilia's song. This is an easy track to drift with, pleasant and fluid.
Mysterious Mambo
Surf (Instrumental)
The Aqua Velvets' "Mysterious Mambo" shimmers with haunted romance in the key of sad. Shallow tremolo creates the sadness. very pretty.