Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This 22 track compilation gathers two tracks each from 11 bands from all over the globe. Most have been available before, but most are also quite illusive, being narrowly distributed. A few lo-fi tracks, but mostly a solid sounding disc with very vital surf.

Picks: Storm Rider, Dragon Wagon, Little MGB, Wild Surf, Happy As A Clam, Shrimp Cocktail, Lucky Surfer, Barbie's Coat, El Cheapo, Sharkman, General Ursus, Eat Skin, Drink Blood, Surfin' The Rio Grande, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow, Area 51, Surf Hammer, Cement Shoes, The Outsider, Deep Eddy, No, Mr. Bond. I Expect You To SURF!, Devilfish, Pitchfork

Surf (Instrumental)

A major reverb crash announces "Storm Rider" as the surf monster it is. This is a very cool track, powerful and crunchy, and loaded with surf spunk. The sound delivers an image of big surf. Some very nice guitar work, especially in the break.

Surf (Instrumental)

Right from the opening glissando, "Dragon Wagon" speaks of fast rides and power cut backs. It straddles the fence between trad and post modern, with thundering bass and pounding drums, and dark chords and guitar chunk.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Waistcoats put in an overdriven garage performance on this intense track. Not very melodic, but well worth a spin or two. Lots of tuff glissandoes and thundering drums. Slightly discordant, like s shortboard beach assault. The Waistcoats hail from The Netherlands.

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

Now, this is great. garage surf, thumpy almost Indian ethics. The bass line is "Pipeline" like. The guitar is intensely reverbed. The surf riff is very tasty. Excellent track, chunky, crunchy, and edgie.

Psychedelic Surf (Instrumental)

Debating the relative joy of a bivalve mollusk aside, this KFJC track is indeed a happy song, with a highly infectious hook, and a speed driven double picked lead line. It not only laughs with you, it also growls and howls. This is a fine song destined to be a modern classic.

Surf (Instrumental)

Supercharged multidimensional music for a slurry ride... I don't know what that means exactly, but it came to mind while listening to this track. Like the Surf Trio's "Surfin' The Mill Race," this seems to have a slurry imagery about it, in lieu of the more unpredictable power of the sea. It seems bound by sides, channeled with purpose.

Surf (Instrumental)

Chunky pure surf, trad sounds and stylings, based on a progressive melody line. The two guitars play off of each other well, as do the bass and drums. Fine double picking, variations in tone and texture, all contributing to a fine ride. Happy, and infectious. Great track.

Surf (Instrumental)

Visions of skinny plastic dolls, airhead blondes, playful beach party flick scenes, like the kinda thing the Wedge did with "Debbie." This is a fun track.

Surf (Instrumental)

Grodie and almost menacing, this grumbling monster tube track threatens the calm of any street on which you find this garage... big chords and dark brooding guitar lines eked out in a dingy garage in Swiss suburbia.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big surf thrash and trash, played with the pedal to the metal. A fluid riff, fuzz guitar, and ample drive. One would hope a full studio album would erupt from these folks soon. Recorded live on radio DRS3.

Surf (Instrumental)

Under dreadful sound lies the fast paced delivery of a grodie and dramatic instrumental of significant interest. Thrashy and trashy with attitude. A studio album, please! The Dead Barons come from Texas.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a cool tune, crunchy and rhythmic, with a nice riff and intense stinging chords. Not really melodic, but with a memorable riff and lot's of drive.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Surfin' The Rio Grande" is a warm track that just might be the sleeper of the set. At first, I was unimpressed, but not far into the track, I found myself enjoying this simple surf riff tune with it's shiny whammy and Latin sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

Lying somewhere between the southwest sound of the Fireballs and surf, this is a splendid little track with an very cool bridge and a warm and friendly sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

Area 51 is the legendary "secret" place that "doesn't exist" in Nevada where there is "rumored" to be a military base that the government "denies" exists. It is said by the notorious "Fringe People" that they have "captured alien ships" there. Listening to Dreamland again, are we? But, seriously folks, this is a big fast track with a solid and interesting beat, and solid playing. The melody is good, and the spirit is strong.

Surf (Instrumental)

Rockin' but not very surfy track with little melody, but a progression that could well be the backtrack for a decent instro.

Crunchy Surf (Instrumental)

Crunchy surf tune with an infectious melody line. Dry guitars. Very cool listening.

Surf (Instrumental)

Dark crunchy and dangerous, like the thin black line that grows behind you to become a major tube, a line that will pulverize you into the sand at the bottom if you don't heed the warning and take off at the right time.

AggressiveGarageSurf (Instrumental)

The Squidly daddies deliver one fiery performance of their original number that is also available in studio form elsewhere. Hot playing, but cruddy ambient recording.

Surf (Instrumental)

Sampled intro from a James Bond film, natch! A simple melody, a cool and calm espionage feel, and ample twango. Bitchin' track. Oh for the release of a whole Squid Vicious CD by the real Squid Vicious (Ted is the REAL Squid Vicious!)... I have spoken!

Devil Surf (Instrumental)

Slow and dramatic surfin' danger, with eerie organ and reverbed guitar. The slow riff gradually develops to a moody place where only the tortured are allowed. Then, there's the spitfire mid section where only the brave dare tread. Driven like a Hammer film. The Brimstones hide out in New Jersey near the Devil's own mansion.

Devil Surf (Instrumental)

Ample spirit and carport attack. There's not what you'd call a melody, but the riff is inspired and nasty, and the guitar flies. Great grimy garage surf, with too much drums and not enough of the great reverbed guitar.