Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Black Albinos - Night Shift
 | The Black Albinos began life in 1960 in the Hague. This Indorock outfit is still quite active, with several current CD releases. Indorock is not surf, though some of these tracks are quite surfable. |
Picks: Night-Shift, Soul Serenade, Moa Kowada, Pico Rico, The Invader, Black Jack, The Provider, Czardas, T.Bone Rag, Street-Jumper, Locomotive, Okiwara, The Scrapper, Yantiyaki, Crossroad Fire, Nature Boy, A Night In Spain, Flamingo, Casanova, Stingray, Let's Go
Track by Track Review
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
"Night-Shift" is a rocker with a solid beat and gutty guitar. The melody is definitely late night, with a debt to "Lucille," and the groove is most assuredly bar room romantic. Nice track.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
A little in the T-Bones image, merged with maybe a touch of the "Sultans of Swing," this track is amped and bouncy, and quite nice in a swampy kinda way.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
This is a kinda "Hot Blooded" riff tune with a very cool rhythm. Tasteful and bluesy, but from a rock perspective.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
With a nod to the Records' "What I Like About You" and Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman," this soulful groover is very satisfying. Not exactly melodic, but darn infectious.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Saucy and slow desert air cowboy adventure, with a bit of island whammy. "The Invader" is a very cool track!
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Bluesy rock jammin' with a thumpy bass and chunky edge. On the quirky side, but cool enough.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
"The Provider" is a riff based number with a thin lead and heavy rhythm section. The bass and drums are the main event here, invoking infectious attraction that supersedes the repetitious guitar riff. Relentlessly rhythmic.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Soft waterfront ethics, like a bluesified "Harlem Nocturne" with dribbling double picked verses and a morose sadness. After hours on the dock, muddling over recent events.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
This is a blues romp, with an infectious gate and spirited lead. Lots of fun.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
"Street-Jumper" sports a kinda grodied "Surf Rider" intro, and gutsy distortion. Catchy and chunky.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
A very short wait at the station in Bluesville.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Cheesy keys and chumpy percussion and an MOR melody line. It's more than just MOR, and with the Machupichu flute and wood blocks, it's exotic and adventurous.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Heavy grumbling thunder, like Link Wray updated, or maybe more heavy rock. Either way, this is no bit of fluff. Dark and dangerous, with edge and discontent.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
An oriental theme and an Indian beat, this bluesy number is reminiscent of some of Yuzo Kayama's more dramatic work.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
"Crossroad Fire" is a bumpy rock item with a nice little riff and guts. The infectious rhythm in the break is the best part, and perhaps could evolve into a song on its own merit.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Yben Ahbez's classic beat generation number "Nature Boy" gets a fresh face. The damped surf/Ventures rhythm in the break is very endearing. Nice track.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
The rhythm here is right out of "Bumble Bee," but the melody line is not. Adventurous and infectious, this rock instro grabs and holds you. It easily crosses into surf territory at times. Very cool.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
This is chunky and powerful in a melodic crunch kinda way. The lead guitar is at times presented in an out-of-phase faux stereo that grabs attention 'cause it doesn't sound like it's coming from the speakers. Cool effect.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Bouncy and maybe a little too fluffy, "Casanova" is fiery and fun, yet went by without leaving a strong impression. It's fun all right, just somehow not lasting.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
Recorded live on Radio West in the Hague in '96, "Stingray" is a gutty and melodic indorock number with a choppy rhythm and modern guitar line.
Indo Rock (Instrumental)
The Routers' cheerleader classic "Let's Go" was captured live at Houtrust Rotonde, in The Hague. It's a mighty fun cover, with plenty of spirit and guts. Excellent performance and arrangement.