Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Atomic Mosquitos - Giant Sucking Soundsdotdotdotdot
artworkI've been hearing ripples on the water for quite a while about the Atomic Mosquitos. Their album is nearing completion, and I'm privileged to be able to review this advance CD-R of the tracks. You can feel the compressors breathe as the band drives these fine melodies home. This is a really nice set of surf tunes, well written and maturely arranged, yet fun and adventurous.
Picks: My Fellow Mosquitos, 77 No Pest Strip, Rancho Relaxo, Love Canal, Danger Island, Mexican Jumping Bean, Hang 'Em Low, Forbidden Romance, Alien Round-up, Spanish Imposition, Cool Action Space Tune, Bone On The Nose, Flight Of The Mosquitos

Track by Track Review


My Fellow Mosquitos dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The buzz of those pesky insects opens this rhythmic surf epic. "My Fellow Mosquitos" is a melodic adventure along the coast in search of that perfect cylinder. Long glassy rides as the sun drops into the sea, bringing a brilliant day to an end. Excellent track, melodic and very friendly.

77 No Pest Strip dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is an open road adventure in search of wavos magnifico. Optimistic and sparkling with pure surf sound. "77 No Pest Strip" is a great title.

Rancho Relaxo dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Rest and recreation are just down the coast at "Rancho Relaxo," where the waves break at your front door just in time for supper. Playful and bouncy, this escape will chase away the blues.

Love Canal dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This must be an innies vs. outties tune. Slow and sensual, lumbering with haunted lagoons and tribal toms with liquid bass. Very attractive in an after the luau way. The lure of mystery in the islands is everywhere!

Danger Island dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Drums and bass provide power under playful surf harmonics and a circular melody line. Very fine track, with an emotionally magnetic sound. Dramatic and well developed, with beautiful chords ringing out from the reverb.

Mexican Jumping Bean dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Bumpin' thumpin' "Mexican Jumping Bean" rock. This is just plain fun, with solid surf guitar and a completely un-surf beat that's magically cool. Grins required!

Hang 'Em Low dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

An uneasy melody line and uncertain sparkle carried a message of suspense and warm water adventure. More than surf, yet right there too.

Forbidden Romance dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Forbidden Romance" is a beautiful and playful song with shimmering vibrato and long chords. The whammy and the sun playing off the water are almost too endearing. A fine track!

Alien Round-up dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Slow dribbling double picked guitar precedes a cowboy beat and Spanish theme. "Alien Round-up" is a very infectious track, with a catchy dry rhythm and cactus gate.

Spanish Imposition dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fine track, with an unusual riff and percussive backtrack. Optimistic, yet demanding. Tribal toms and bass grumble below a big adventure. Excellent.

Cool Action Space Tune dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The drums and the guitar double pick duel for dominance in the opener, and then the rolling melody comes in. The theremin in the bridges is playful and hints of spaghetti western sci-fi epics. Very adventurous and fun.

Bone On The Nose dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

High register double picked guitar lines like a female chorus might otherwise sing in a sci-fi film score, with a rock-solid beat and infectious sound. A cool track, with some drama and excellent drums.

Flight Of The Mosquitos dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Fastish and almost cute, the backtrack to "Flight Of The Mosquitos" seems odd until the lead guitar double picks its way into focus, at which time this becomes utterly cohesive. An infectious flight of fancy.