Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The AmpFibians - It's Alive!!!
 | Six fine tracks here... The AmpFibians' sound would lead you to believe that they are from Austin, but alas they hail from Cincinnati, Ohio or Lilly Pad, Kentucky, depending on which web source you believe. There's a lot of originality in the tracks within. |
Picks: Peter Gun In Reverse, Shark Bait, Spanish Gold Live, Twang 'Em High, Perry's Mason Jar, Surf City
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Big whammy chords open this punchy riff rocker with rich surf tone. "Peter Gun In Reverse" is powerful and full bodied, with excellent drums and very moody bass. The guitar is thick and warm is a swimming surf kinda way. Very cool track! It's much less "Peter Gunn"-ish than the title suggests.
Surf (Instrumental)
There's power and some cool chord progression in "Shark Bait." Its loudness provides the danger suggested by the title, and its very rock structure hints at the eighties bands that included a surf instro or two on their albums.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Spanish Gold Live" sports a very original melody line and rhythm track. It's warm and loud, with interesting changes. Some double picked lines, a glissando or two, and lots of whammy.
Surf (Instrumental)
Enio Morricone's "Hang 'Em High" is twanged and dramatized with some really cool chord chops. This is a highly original arrangement of this classic spaghetti western theme. A bit jazzy, and very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big drama and twang, a giant Texas size grin, and tremolo danger create quite a mood with this slow, almost sludgy cover of Earl Hagen's epic "Perry Mason Theme." Double picked danger and on the edge of chaos tone. Original idea!
Surf (Instrumental)
Jan and Dean's "Surf City" is played in a very playful manor with warmth and sunlight in the tone, and a straight rhythm track. Very pleasant!