Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | Italy's highly original Alwaro Negro use the surf sound to color dangerous music. Often intense and moody, and always compelling, the sounds within are well worth exploring. It's a ways from trad surf, but not outside the city limits. |
Picks: Ultra Caravan, Belva, The Washed Stomp, Frisbee, Centrifuge, Too Many Knots To Untangle, Comb, Universal Clean, Root
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Deep rumbly bass and an unusual rhythm predict danger down the road. Part surf, part rock, part suave, "Ultra Caravan" is a very cool track that's quite original in character. Strong imagery, tuff melody lines, and solid production.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Belva" is the not-so-nice object of attention. This somewhat heavy shadowed image of lurid fascination beckons irresistibly with a dark riff and circular melody line.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a cool song with a playful and structure and dissonant underbelly. Slightly odd, on the verge of dangerous, and not quite serious, "The Washed Stomp" is just quirky enough to be compelling.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Frisbee" flies darkly across the lawn of your imagination. In your dreams, its edges are razor sharp, and you know you can't catch it and keep your hands attached. The other possibility is the dog you tossed it to is a wolf out to get you. Either way, is a fanciful and slightly dangerous flight.
Surf (Instrumental)
Riding in a "Centrifuge" is likely not like this. The song has a simple but effective riff and dark charm. The ska chords add a light sense of play.
Too Many Knots To Untangle 
Surf (Instrumental)
Angular and disquieting, "Too Many Knots To Untangle" coveys the frustration the title implies, as well as a sense of not enough time to save the day. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
The utility of choice for your combover, "Comb" playfully bounces between light and dark in an imaginary rock structure. Pretty fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big whammy chords sting the darkness with nervous energy in this somewhat angular epic. Surf as a platform for angry danger. Quite mean.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Root" is a surf romp across a darkened square where danger lurks unseen. Spy elements and surf collide in a back alley.