Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Apemen - Sounds Of The Apemendotdotdotdot
artworkThe Netherlands' own Apemen keep recording and issuing strong garage-surf instrumentals. This one is a 4 song import ep. Their sound is very reverby, sometimes to a fault. This ep is strong, both playing wise and energy wise. There is no more energetic and speedy surf band than these Norsemen.
Picks: Toronado, Surf Dracula, Baha Ree-Ba, When Johnny Comes Wreckin' Home

Track by Track Review


Toronado dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Toronado" is dedicated to the classic Oldsmobile. The thick over reverbed sound masks some of the intense energy of this amazingly well written surf pounder. A melodic and rhythmic riff drives this home. The keys are suitably low in the mix for the most part.

Surf Dracula dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Rhythmic eastern block feel and flying surf leads work well together. Images of dancing Cossacks and shortboard surf bunnies is irresistible. "Surf Dracula" is actually a surfed up arrangement of "Soul Dracula" by Hot Blood.

Baha Ree-Ba dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Trademarks' wonderful "Baha-Ree-Bah" is shredded mightily. Fast and poundy, driven like there's no tomorrow. The organ carries the mariachi horn lines, and the lead guitar rages at 90 miles an hour. Excellent!

When Johnny Comes Wreckin' Home dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Not since the Lancers brazen garage surf epic of the early sixties has this Civil War classic been so powerfully pummeled. Shreddin' lead guitar, and thick crunch.