Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Sons Of The Pacific - Seedy C.D.
 | this is a wonderful set of modern surf tracks. Lot's great writing and arranging. Its sound lies somewhere between CHUM and classic surf. I like this a lot. |
Picks: Tiburon Del Terra, Out Of Limits, Chuckwalla, Manta Ray, Boneparte's Last Stand, Spyder, Grave Robber
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Dark and slightly sludgy, "Tiburon Del Terra" is very post modern, yet still very surf. With the rhythm guitar being dark and gutty, and on one side, I didn't really notice the lead guitar on the left at first, especially since it's fairly thin tone doesn't command attention. A simple lead center and second guitar stereo spread would make this a really powerful track!
Surf (Instrumental)
The Sons Of The Pacific' version of The Mar-Kets' "Out Of Limits" is modern and powerful, with big drums and heavy tone. The narrow spread of the two guitars makes it work.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Chuckwalla" is a very cool song. it has a lumbering dusk feel to it, and some really nice delicate guitar work. The moodiness of the song, especially where it yields to the glorious island chords, is very effective.
Surf (Instrumental)
Exotic tribal drums launch the opening of "Manta Ray." Once inside, the song becomes a very pretty number with a slightly heavier break. I like this a lot!
Surf (Instrumental)
There's drama and sweeping imagery here, like you often find in spaghetti westerns. "Boneparte's Last Stand" is really well written. Modern sustain and edgy delay compliment the melody and main idea.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Spyder" starts life as a slightly spooky spy-like track, and as the delicate muted melody line unfolds, it becomes apparent that the juxtaposition of guitar tone and heavy drums is brilliantly executed. Cool track.
Surf (Instrumental)
There's danger in those tremolo chords and the gritty sustain. "Grave Robber" is smooth and spunky, and nicely arranged. The drum breaks work really well.