Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Vara-tones - Hangin' Six
 | This CD-R is an advance look at the next Vara-tones CD. I have to say that if the rest is anything like this, it will be an overpowering success! Incredible sound and rich tone, powered by precise thunder. Magnificent! I have to keep bugging the Vara-tones to come play a Pitstop! |
Picks: Surf Rider, Soupy Sez, Pipeline, Mrs. Moto, Foot Patter, Ram Shift Dog
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
A very wet and smooth version of this surf classic, with lots of cool dribbling notes and chords. A great version, just different enough to ward off the "cover blues."
Surf (Instrumental)
Thunder and the kind of rich power that Dick Dale's vintage rhythm monsters generated, and a catchy riff somewhat like a pre surf epic rage. Very powerful and ultra rich surf tone!
Surf (Instrumental)
This version of "Pipeline" features really strong balance between the pumpin' rhythm guitar and the rich long vibrato shimmer of the lead. The double picked verse adds variety, as does the shimmer of the lead in the break. The power and the throb of "Pipeline" with the stark beauty of "Pipeline." Magnificent!
Surf (Instrumental)
It's nice to see that the Vara-tones have cut a solid version of the song Bill Epps brought to Splashback a few years back. The durable melody and rich tone, and the grumbly damped rhythm bring a new dimension to "Mrs. Moto."
Surf (Instrumental)
A very good surf cover of a great Fireballs tune. Lots of reverb and grind, like maybe the Space Cossacks might do. Very original interpretation.
Surf (Instrumental)
Inspired by a merger between Al Casey's "Ramrod," the Duals' "Stick Shift," and the Fireballs' "Bulldog," this is so smoothly and completely merged that it just melts together into one seamless new song. Brilliant!