Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Valerock and the Vivisectors - Opening for Laika and the Cosmonauts (June 25, 2004)
 | Russian guitar legend Valerock (Valery Shapovalow) is captured fronting the Vivisectors as they opened for Laika and the Cosmonauts in 2004. The combination of their well developed arrangements and sound, and his very personable and historic style creates a symbiotic sound that's very pleasing. |
Picks: Apache, Cemetery Boogie, Africa, Cowboy Surfer, In The Mood, Venus
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a straightforward cover of Jerry Lordan's wonderful "Apache," based in part on the Shadows' arrangement, and part on Jorgen Ingmann's. While it's not particularly adventurous, it is very good, very well played, and features a fine band behind a Russian rock legend.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Valerock and the Vivisectors' "Cemetery Boogie" is fronted by Valerock, and it's more boogie-like, more vintage, but also pretty modern in the lead guitar tone and attack. Very nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
There's something kind of sultry about the way "Africa" develops with Valerock on lead. It seems less a spy song this way. It's written, with a romantic sense of mystery and charm.
Surf (Instrumental)
Without the organ, "Cowboy Surfer" is a much more traditional instro. The warmth of the melody really comes out. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is actually a medley of several traditional rock instros in the boogie tradition, including "In The Mood." Infectious and bouncy, though a little low energy.
Surf (Instrumental)
Shocking Blue's catchy "Venus" is splendid in this instrumental arrangement. Melodic and rhythmic, and much appreciated by the fans. Very nice!