Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The A-Phonics - Mediterranean Beat Guitars
 | This is a four song, seven inch ep. I added five earlier demo versions to the review. The A-Phonics play a splendid blend of surf and Mediterranean sounds. |
Picks: Napoli Night, La Muixeranga, Surfin' Burret, Galaxia, Galaxia, La Muixeranga, Mandshurian Beat, Surfin' Burret, Zihutanejo
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Echoed double picked guitar and glissandos rip through a Mediterranean melody that's very cool indeed! The Mediterranean roots are extremely clear, and the surf arrangement strong. The drums are excellent here.
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow, almost military in the beginning, but spunky surf cool from there onward. Rockin' drums and double picked guitar, with well placed rhythm guitar and bass. "La Muixeranga" is a splendid track!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Surfin' Burret" rolls right along in an adventurous surf groove, with double picked guitar and rolling drums. The exotic melody is wonderful, and the rhythm and bass support it perfectly.
Surf (Instrumental)
Whammy chords and galloping rhythms run this spaghetti western epic into space. The rhythm section is infectious, and when combined wit the lead guitar, simply capture you. Excellent track!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is the earlier take on "Galaxia," with a dryer and grittier sound. The drums are much more up front. I just might like this better! It's much more rock and spaghetti western, and is more immediate sounding.
Surf (Instrumental)
A half-minute longer than the final take, and much punchier, the demo version of "La Muixeranga" rocks harder and seems even more surf.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a grand cover of The Sounds' rocker. It's amazing just how well it fits in The A-Phonics' sound envelope. The drums rock and the entire band is spot on! Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Longer than the final take, this earlier version of "Surfin' Burret" is much more textured and rockin'! "Surfin' Burret" rolls adventurously with double picked guitar and great drums. The grand exotic melody really stands out.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Zihutanejo" rocks with genuine surf grind and Mediterranean romance. Double picked guitar and tuff drums. This is a different title for "Napoli Night." Very strong!