Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Barfly Surfers - Surf Trash Attackdotdot
artworkLo-fi, non-melodic grind that wants to be Man or Astro-MAN?, but isn't. There are some nice ideas, even good performances, but it's crudely recorded in a way that emphasizes the trash ethic and de-emphasizes music, leaving all of it much less powerful and listenable than it could be.
Picks: Tristessa

Track by Track Review


Surf Trash Attack dot
Punk (Instrumental)

"Surf Trash Attack" is all trash and no surf. Chaotic, ugly, and not particularly interesting. Mung without the taco (with apologies to The Berzerkers).

Greens dotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

"Greens" is dark and grungy in an unabashed trash sense. A simple riff at its heart is not bad, but the song is trashed by its aesthetics.

Highway to Mars dotdotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

Another basic riff rocker, but the riff and some ideas are pretty good. It's just poorly recorded, as if it's in a sleazy bar with no patrons. "Highway to Mars" has potential for sure.

Gato Preto dotdotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

"Gato Preto" is nicely written, and potentially powerful. Some cool ideas, some good playing, but the aural damage is severe.

Doidera vem e vai dotdotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

Thrash and grind... some intense things going on, as if you are listening to Man or Astro-MAN? from across the street. Very aggressive, and some parts show promise.

O Buk, o Dick e o Pereio dotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

The main riff is OK, and the energy high, plus some very disturbed interludes. Mostly, "O Buk, o Dick e o Pereio" is just thrash.

Tristessa dotdotdot
Punk (Instrumental)

Brooding, cumbersome, but layered with some intriguing moments. "Tristessa" has a dangerous rhythm and tremble. It almost crosses into cool territory.