Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This is a very refreshing release. Well developed arrangements in adventurous and original territory. "Dune Dance" rules! |
Picks: Rev Up, High Spy, Club Cabana, Joystick, Gila Gulch, New Shoes, Big Ska, Luigi's Lament, Gypsy Cove, Dune Dance, Reflection
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
"Rev Up" is a gutty riff rocker with a circular progression and stomp beat. On the dark side, yet playful in a party kinda way.
Spy (Instrumental)
Lovely opening chords set a haunting stage for a quirky melody line that's warm and playful. "High Spy" dances on your imagination is a tweaky kind of way, maybe a little like "The Munsters" if Henry Mancini had developed it.
Exotica (Instrumental)
"Club Cabana" is a softly exotic and mysterious song with a sinewy melody and bongos. This track grows on you as it evolve, hooking into your soul. Very cool!
Video Game (Instrumental)
Big fuzzy grumbling and video game spy themes run through "Joystick" in tribute to the device adapted from sixties hydraulic control, as used in Ed Roth's Beatnik Bandit in lieu of steering, accelerator and brake.
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)
With an opening reminiscent of spaghetti westerns, "Gila Gulch" moves moodily into scenic territory, where fatalistic sadness reigns. It's very visual for sure.
Polynesian Pop (Instrumental)
Jazzy and kind of Polynesian touristy, with lap steel and a sense of mystery on Big Island. "New Shoes" slithers and meanders through lighthearted adventure where tomorrow is just another version of today.
Surf Ska (Instrumental)
"Big Ska" is a mighty fun blend of surf and ska in an inevitably playful setting. It's hard to avoid a grin while this plays. Pure fun.
European (Instrumental)
"Luigi's Lament" is a softly Italian sidewalk cafe number with a sunset feeling and a sense of European romance. Perfect for a backdrop to your vacation.
Spy Surf (Instrumental)
A highly infectious rhythm track, a sparkling melody line, and a fine sense of chemistry spread the joy of "Gypsy Cove" mercilessly. What starts out to be just fun, quickly invades and takes command of you brain. Mediterranean, Klezmer, spy, surf, and great fun!
Middle Eastern Surf (Instrumental)
"Dune Dance" is a splendid track with many moods and amazing exotic imagery. The Middle east comes alive, and the infectious drums and bass rule! This is totally cool - more than that - it is superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Reflection" is a wonderfully soothing track that shimmers and haunts, yet is not at all a backdrop. Heavy in a fluid way, and very engaging.