Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: The Phantom Surfers Race Against The Tormentos
 | This is a split release with the Phantom Surfers and the Tormentos. the Tormentos are definitely the stars of this release, with strong originals and solid covers. The Phantom Surfers have contributed older material that is badly recorded as usual. Check out the Tormentos! |
Picks: Istanbul, Tokyo Twist, Gypsy Surfer, The Last Ride, Playa Raton, Flutterfoot, Poison Clam, Dragstrip Night, Nowhere To Hide, Night Cruisin', Bad Day On The Midway, Ride Sunset Devil, An Evening At Fusco's, Contact
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
A great rendition. The arrangement is almost verbatim from the Renegades Midwest version.
Tokyo Twist Surf (Instrumental)
Really thin sound and a nowhere riff.
Surf (Instrumental)
This shallow sounding cover of the Avantis' great "Gypsy Surfer" is probably from a fine performance, but the dripping audio level and this sound keep it from its full potential.
The Last Ride Surf (Instrumental)
Thin and crappy sound - Davie Allan, who guests on guitar, was embarrassed at the result. His work is stellar, and the band is in good form too. It's just so awful sounding!
Surf (Instrumental)
Another dreadful recording of a great song well done. The Evasions' "Playa Raton" is a fine song, and the arrangement is chunky and reverby.
Surf (Instrumental)
An interesting surf riff and solid performance here. "Flutterfoot" is a good song, well written, and nicely arranged. The sound is - well - murky and lifeless.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Poison Clam" is an interesting song with an unusual rhythm guitar and great drums. Thin and pale, but worth getting under the sound for the performance.
Surf (Instrumental)
Engines race until the band comes into its own. A strong surf driver with trashy stereo guitar. Big and flashy, and garage grodie. The melody line is excellent.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Nowhere To Hide" is moody and scary, with lots in in your ear thickness. While it's kind of trashy, it's also very interesting and dramatic. A for the song, C for the sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Night Cruisin'" works really well. It's a solid riff with fine rhythm guitar. Intense damped reverb and ominous grumble. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is mostly too riffy for my taste, but it is solid and powerful. There are some interesting moments for sure, and some Dick Dale shredder glissandoes.
Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboys on surfboards... "Ride Sunset Devil" is a splendid example of spurs and wetsuits, and is not unlike the grodiest Texas sludge with reverb. Too cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big twang and spy riffs, rolling surf thunder, and a solid melody line. Tribal drums and power. "An Evening At Fusco's" is a wonderful track! Strong and attractive.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Pyramids' "Contact" is well suited for the intense damped reverb of the Tormentos. This is a fine cover!