Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Concussions - Introducing...dotdotdot
artworkThe Concussions CD is produced by Pete Curry (Los Straitjackets), so it's no surprise that they are on the Eddie Angel side of the masked marvels.
Picks: Surf Texas, We Should Be Dancing, Guano, The Lucky Mosquito, Now It Can Be Told, Sukiyaki, Blue Fin, Theme From Not-So Modern Lovers, Dorkathon, The Iron Giant, The Lonely Mariner, The Man From Interpol, Ghoul Patrol

Track by Track Review


Surf Texas dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Country twang and rock 'n' roll riffs-a-rockin' as "Surf Texas" romps down the highway. Glissandoes and a surf beat and country licks. Energy driven and raucous. Jimmy Lester does the demented vocal intro.

We Should Be Dancing dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"We Should Be Dancing" is delivered on vibrato guitar with odd effects. Whammy chords, melodic guitar lines, and a warmth like Los Straitjackets often deliver. Eddie Angel guests on solo guitar.

Guano dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Chunky and angular in a "Batman" kinda way, with a friendly riff that's smooth but not memorable. There is some nasty fuzz going on too.

The Lucky Mosquito dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"The Lucky Mosquito" is a fun song with a good melody line and catchy rhythm. Borrowing lines from "Bumble Bee," the song takes on a dry sense of humor. If you merged "Hawaii Five-0" and "Bumble Bee" at a Luche Libre festival, it might come out like this.

Now It Can Be Told dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This mid tempo song has a gutty backtrack and very nice lead melody line. It reminds me of the kind of sunny outlook that I Cosmonauti achieve, but not as light. "Now It Can Be Told" is a happy song with warmth and charm.

Sukiyaki dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Riurici Sakomoto's silly pop song "Sukiyaki" is very nicely arranged. This may be the coolest cover next to the Pickets, and right up there with the Hypnotic IV and the Shi-Tones. While it's light weight, it has a magnetic quality that bears multiple listenings.

Blue Fin dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is quite an unusual track, with a "Pipeline"-esq rhythm, glissandos, warm chords, and great tribal drums. ON the delicate side, yet commanding. I think "Blue Fin" is the best track here, with more surf feel and sound, and a guttier edge.

Theme From Not-So Modern Lovers dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"Theme From Not-So Modern Lovers" is a fun instro with a light and playful rhythm and fluid lead line. Modern and almost jangly, with an inviting melody.

Dorkathon dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Tweaky keys, silly intro riffs, and a simple but enjoyable melody delivered with guitar effects similar to Travis Wammack's sixties singles.

The Iron Giant dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"The Iron Giant" is an entertaining track with a rich sound and fine melody. Excellent drums, a cool sound overall, and ringing chords to capture your soul. Simple and effective.

The Lonely Mariner dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

gently rising from the depths, "The Lonely Mariner" runs atop a rolling cowboy beat with cheesy keys wanting to be of the Tornados caliber. Aside from the drums, I didn't find it very interesting.

The Man From Interpol dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Choppy effected guitar, dramatic beat, and a playful but repetitious guitar line. I think what I didn't like if the arrangement.

Ghoul Patrol dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"Ghoul Patrol" is gutsy and siren laden. Low down and a little grodie, this track is pretty cool. Its tweakiness is kind cool in an odd way, though I don't think the radio calls add much.