Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is a well arranged album, with three guitars, providing a well balanced pair of rhythm guitars playing differently in balance with the lead, a structure invented by The Astronauts. This may be the most vintage sounding release I've heard in a while, yet the songs are original and modern. The last track is a very Gary Usher-ish vocal. Totally great, and highly recommended.

Picks: Death Drop, Espanto, Locked In, Paul Competicion, Il Diavolo In Corpo, Water Lips, Diferentes Maneras, Tokio Action, Mother Of Pearl, Wild Wild Waves, Lightning Bolt, Road Runnah, Swingin' Girls

Surf (Instrumental)

"Death Drop" starts as a chord dominated song, but soon enough, there's liquid reverb melody paced between chord verses separated by whammy chords. The melody is very cool, though somewhat jammy. Spiffy glissandos and muted reverb splash.

Surf (Instrumental)

With a bit of a haunted sound, "Espanto" drives at a fast clip across a dangerous wave. The melody has mystery and adventure. A little dangerous, and sparkled with glissandos and whammy chords.

Surf (Instrumental)

Grand dual muted reverb rhythm and muted lead melody, along with whammy chords, solid bass and great drums really make this a superb track. Where similar tracks are more optimistic, "Locked In" is moody.

Surf (Instrumental)

Stompin' dragster epic with exciting drama. "Paul Competicion" is embroiled in charging energy and flair. Double picked leads and flying drums.

Surf (Instrumental)

There's a genuine sense of fast traveling, and the chorus adds to the sense of danger. Flying glissandos and multiple guitar parts balance the soundscape. "Il Diavolo In Corpo" simply races, and the delicately muted break with its sounds of terror add a scenic drama to this already heady track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Water Lips" has an exotic melody and lots of watery reverb. This well balanced track has a great melody line and dramatic structure. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

Dark thunder and pomp. a big chorus, and layered surf. The drums are really good here, but then so is the bass and the three guitars. "Diferentes Maneras" moves fast and powers all the way, even during the muted passages. Did I mention great drums?

Surf (Instrumental)

A big gong opens to tribal drums and semi-funky bass. Tremolo and crash chord rhythm guitars support the spaghetti western-like melody line. "Tokio Action" doesn't sound Asian to me, but I don't care, because it's such a solid track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Mother Of Pearl" is a liquidy smooth romancer with three guitars playing distinctively different roles to great affect. The island imagery is good, as is the lush sunset sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fast and optimistic search for surf kinda tune, with that warming morning coastal road feeling. "Wild Wild Waves" is really good for driving, and very nicely arranged. Great melody!

Surf (Instrumental)

In a shift into a bit of a stomp and a more traditional drum pattern, "Lightning Bolt" relies on speedy glissandos and big surf. This is a fine track.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very solid cover of The Road Runners' "Road Runnah," transmuted to a three guitar arrangement. The more I listen to this, the more I like it. It's less fiery than the original in some ways, but loaded with energy and reverb! Superb!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Swingin' Girls" is a mid tempo slither of a song full of sunshine and reverb, island lagoons and wahines, and a very happy sound. This is just wonderful!