Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

There are some nice tracks here, and some so-so tracks too. No real surf, but a few surfable or near surf things that will fit in. All of these bands are from Finland. This seems to be where Laika and the Cosmonauts are headed sound wise. If their new CD Local Warning is to your liking, this may well be your cup of tea too.

Picks: Go Go Slow, Joker's Wild, No Exit, Driving Guitars, The Cruel Sea, Three Guitars, The Mexican, Rock Around The Clock, Walk, Don't Run, I Miss You, Soul Finger, Do You Know Who I Am, Towards The Night, Vision At Campfire, Evening In The Autumn, Motto Wasabi, Green Fields, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Ghost Train, The Whirl - Soita Humu Pekka, Labrador Tea In Bloom, A New Day

Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' classic go-go period song "Go Go Slow" is reverently covered with a Norse overlay. The weird mix (drums right, rhythm left) and the thick layering give it a surreal sound quite unlike the dry-chop the V-boys applied.

Rock (Instrumental)

Somewhat aggressive, "Joker's Wild" features fuzz set low in the radar, leaving it with a thick wash of sounds instead of a focus. It's an interesting effect for a new face on this Ventures' song.

Rock (Instrumental)

"No Exit" gets a thick rock combo treatment. The rhythm guitar is surfable, while the rest of the track is more in the rock instro vein. It's a very listenable track, again in a thick sounding wash. Big drama and pumping rhythm.

Rock (Instrumental)

This often covered Don Wilson / Bob Bogle / Nokie Edwards composition is done with spunk and charm. It doesn't rise above the plethora of covers, but holds its own well.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of the less interesting versions of the Dakotas' "The Cruel Sea." It's thick production does not add to the power, or maybe it's the tendency for Euro bands to leave the lead guitar low in the mix. Either way, it's well performed and spunky.

Rock (Instrumental)

Fast and spunky, with a bouncing beat. "Three Guitars" sounds like a million other instros from Northern Europe. A nice melody and echoed guitar a la Hank Marvin.

Rock (Instrumental)

Often covered, "The Mexican" lies somewhere in the vast expanse between between the Shadows realm and surf - much closer to the Shadows than the brine. Lots of spunk.

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a sprightly instrumentalization of Bill Haley and the Comets' hit "Rock Around The Clock." Not memorable particularly, but full of old time energy.

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a reverent cover of the Shadows' interpretation of the Ventures version of Johnny Smith's "Walk, Don't Run." Very cool whammy, but otherwise, just a fine version that stays with the pack.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

"I Miss You" is nicely done, but not memorable. Middle of the road rock instro in the Euro mold.

Rock (Instrumental)

The Bar-Kays' "Soul Finger" start out with feedback and then launches into a rousing aggro garage affair. Heavy, edgy, and pumping cool, with highly compressed guitar that occasionally drifts into double picked lines. Very cool!

Soft Rock (Instrumental)

This soft rock instro flows gently down an evening path towards a romantic liaison. Very pretty, but unmemorable.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

With sparkle and spunk, "Towards The Night" flows heavily on a light theme. It's an interesting bend of adult contemporary and rock 'n' roll. I can't quite decide if I like it or just get lulled into it but the blend.

Cowboy (Instrumental)

This is a fun song with a cowboy beat and vibrato charm. The melody flows lightly in circular play. Oh the possibilities!

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

The Cruels make "Evening In The Autumn" bounce on a rock bed while the lead is on the light side. Heavily echoed guitars splash the melody and rhythm.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

With the same kind of cycling riff that opens "Don't Fear The Reaper," the Cruels lay down a very nice instro with a catchy riff and circulating break. "Motto Wasabi" is quite a good track.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

"Green Fields" is backed with chicken bop dry chops, which is perhaps its most endearing feature. Otherwise, it's kind of a faceless Shadows styles song. Adult contemporary.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

This is an ultra slushy cover of Judy Garland's signature song from the Wizard Of Oz.

Rock (Instrumental)

The drums run fast under this guitar exercise. Full of bouncy energy, but not particularly memorable.

Rock (Instrumental)

Rock drums beat hard under this bouncy and fun song. "The Whirl - Soita Humu Pekka" sports damped rhythm guitar and echoed leads. Quite fun.

Adult Contemporary (Instrumental)

"Labrador Tea In Bloom" is an adult contemporary floater that's lush and smooth, Heavily echoed guitar and light weight rhythms.

Light Rock (Instrumental)

"A New Day" is a very pleasant light rock track with a great melody and gentle sway. Very nice.