Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Close Outs - S/T (demo)
 | 8 mighty fine demos from the Close Outs. It's just a glimpse into a band with an evolving sound that should be very strong by the time they cut an actual CD. |
Picks: The Red Triangle, HELLA, Star Crunch, Pursuit In Progress, Gummi Robots, Kicks, Drags, Rock'n'Roll, Juanita, Juanita, Transpacific Memories
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Red Triangle" is a Middle Eastern thing that sounds like it might have been inspired by Jim Messina, but it's darker and features dry muted almost ska chords. Melodic and dark.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big thunder and difficult thick relentlessness, Middle Eastern danger, and heavy rhythmic chunk. "HELLA" seems to be a monster in the making, with double picked surf and a dangerous mysterious melody.
Surf (Instrumental)
Echoed noise, splashy spy surf, big energy, very cool guitar, and while its not melodic, the splash and thrash of cold water wipeouts thunders and commands. Big and relentless.
Surf (Instrumental)
Sirens wail, drama ensues, and fuzz rules in a post-Davie Allan world. Riff rock in the biker fuzz tradition.
Euro Surf (Instrumental)
With echoed muted guitars like they use in eastern Europe, and slow wah transition second guitar, dry chord third guitar, and rock drums and bass. Yup, all that in a wash of engaging sub surf. Mighty cool!
Kicks, Drags, Rock'n'Roll Surf (Instrumental)
Hod rods wail, drums flail, and sixties guitar lines emote from a jammin' track. "Kicks, Drags, Rock'n'Roll" reminds me a lot of some of the better studio sessions from the day. Fun and cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Sounding as if it's inspired by the Rancheros' "Linda," this is surfy and rich and Spanish twangy. "Juanita, Juanita" is a great tune with lots of potential. Way cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Sorta island cool, nicely wet, and inviting in a sunset surf kind of way. The melody straddles sadness and surf and vacation adventure. The muted rhythm is inviting, and the soundscape awash in imagery.