Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Los Venturas - Aloha Summer
 | This is the first album from Los Venturas, with 15 listed tracks and one surprise at the end. they have a happy surf combo sound that's hard not to like. They play mostly on the lighter side, but with energy and sparkle. |
Picks: Aloha Summer, Banshee Bay, Leo's Theme, Giant, Ventura's Theme, La Ballena Gorda, Andalucia, Tales From The Deep, Ginza Lights, Bump, Set... SPIKE!, La Noche Del Asesino, Rocket To Nowhere, Midnight Run, Amour de Vacances, Untitled
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
A warm and sunny melody that's part country and part surf greets you right out of the box. Frothy uplifting instrumental sounds. The dry guitars tell of the shore from the beach side of the equation. "Aloha Summer" is a mighty cool track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Double picked surf splashes from the reverb as Los Venturas romp through this light hearted track. "Banshee Bay" is endearing and fluid, with glissandoes and dribbling picking. Slightly hinting of the Super Stocks, the song circles and cuts back as required.
Surf (Instrumental)
One guitar double picked melody, one dry chords, and an organ carrying the lead most of the time. It has a small combo sound and feel, yet retains a very surfable soul. An excellent uplifting track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Atlantics' spice "Giant" is fired with big twang, sounding very Australian. An excellent version, with lots of energy and spunk, and rich tone.
Surf (Instrumental)
Another track modeled on the Super Stocks' formula, "Ventura's Theme" rocks with a light flow and almost merry-go-round organ. Happy and unabashed, without a care in the world.
Surf (Instrumental)
"La Ballena Gorda" is an almost tuff song with a fast double picked melody and great beat. The slightly moody melody line is well suited to the double picked treatment. Attractive and high energy.
Surf (Instrumental)
Ernesto Lacuona's spectacular "The Breeze and I" a.k.a. "Andalucia" is smooth and pretty, with a haunting MOR organ whistling off to one side.
Surf (Instrumental)
Gurgling water bubbles until the damped reverb rhythm guitar takes over. The melody is haunting, added to by the organ. Aside form the rhythm guitar's surf styling, this is more like a European guitar instro in the Hank Marvin tradition.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a fine cover of the Ventures' "Ginza Lights." Surfed up, yet in a Europe meets the V-boys mold. Well developed and fun, and pretty too.
Surf (Instrumental)
Nearly a stomp, "Bump, Set... SPIKE!" rolls with an optimistic surf feel, crossing over between Europe and the surf sound. A traditional surf beat runs under this song, and the positive nature of the sound adds to the strength of the performance.
Surf (Instrumental)
The creatures of the night introduce this pretty Euro style melody, played with reverb and whammy, and occasional damped harmonics. "La Noche Del Asesino" is slow and lumbering with a kind of liquid intensionalism about it. Very unusual!
Surf (Instrumental)
Fast with organ lead and damped surf accompaniment, "Rocket To Nowhere" is a fun and almost raucous song that prances on the stage of a youthful party. This song has a tendency to grow on you.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Super Stocks' classic "Midnight Run" is well done here, with fine damped rhythm and a lead sounding a lot like the original, accompanied by an organ and light percussion. Fine cover.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Amour de Vacances" is a poppy song with a bouncing beat and slightly sad melody. Enjoyable and smooth, with a memorable riff and endearing sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
This 15th track is unlisted, and it sounds a lot like John Blair on lead guitar, though it's not. Melodic and much more like the real thing, this is a fine track with excellent credentials. The reverb kicks sound crunchy and tuff.