Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Beat Tornados - Pole Position



 | New band, new CD, and many fresh ideas. This may only contain 8 tracks, but they are great tracks! Another exceptional Norse band confronts the shores of surf with their own interpretations. Excellent playing and sound, and solid track selections. Only three originals, three traditional Norse covers, and a pair of well morphed European tracks. |
Picks: Oppå Fjellet, Throttleman, Pole Position, El Nino, Kon Tiki, Piken J Dalen, Reinlender, The Cruel Sea
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This shredding track fires up like a modern Dick Dale track, but more melodic. It's an excellent nuevo surf epic, with a middle eastern beat and low-E growl. Very fiery and infectious.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Throttleman" is a low-E surf riff driver with lots of charm and a great beat. The quirky electronics are a bit strange, but the track works well.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Pole Position" is the title track. It sports a damped chop that is very infectious, like early Fireballs. The riff is solid, and the rhythm excellent. The break guitar double picks out a Mexico sur trip.
Surf (Instrumental)
So many songs named "El Niño," and so many missing the point of the weather phenomenon. This is a fluid and warm, almost tropical track which captures the warm current element of the weather disruption, with galloping drums that foretell of the havoc the current brings.
Surf (Instrumental)
Thor Hierdahl's voyage was immortalized by Mike Carr and captured by the Shadows. This is taken a step closer to the intent, with almost Hawaiian lap steel guitar and a warm sunny feel. Gorgeous tone and stellar idea.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Piken J Dalen" is a traditional tune that features fluid double picked intro, like an introduction to a Mafiosi opens the track. The main theme is sorta Christmas like. Cool melody, solid beat and tone. The delay adds a sense of hugeness. Quite enjoyable.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Reinlender" lies between hayseed with its jaws harp, and surf with the guitar tone and double picking. Really a fun track, and quite unusual.
Surf (Instrumental)
Mike Maxfield's often covered British surf instro finds new life with ultra sped and dissonant tone. It races through storm break, like the Allman Brothers at 78. The delay used in the damped break is really nifty. Great glissandoes, boys.