Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Diamondheads - Diamond Head At Dusk
 | Wonderful!Diamond Head At Dusk is grand set of new material from the Diamondheads, who are easily one of the best bands on the eastern seaboard. The arrangements here are very strong, delivering a solid sense of ensemble. This is one of the coolest disc for driving I've heard in a while. |
Picks: The Hottie, Married To A Mermaid, El Monte, Madagascan Intrigue, Lava Bed, Patapsagogo, Big Daddy Dirt Pile, Neanderthal Beach Party, Firewater, Figs, Run, Walk, Whatever, Intentional Walk, Snowplow, Diamond Head At Dusk, Agent Yarmy
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
The Diamondheads' signature sound is a natural platform for this very fun track. String swipes simulate wolf whistles, while the bass rumbles and the drums pummel. Fast and whammified, with a heavy and fun attack.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a lovely island whammy tune with sweeping panoramic imagery. Tuff drums give it edge, and the guitars paint the picture. The bass seems to give "Married To A Mermaid" symmetry. A very fine instro.
Surf (Instrumental)
This mid tempo song is displays charm via its tremolo and gentle whammy. "El Monte" is one of those songs that's endearing and very satisfying. Imagine a sunset drive on a warm summer's eve along a winding coastal road. This is a perfect accompaniment!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Madagascan Intrigue" is a lovely song featuring circulating guitar playing against a John Barry-ish accent. This splendid track has an intriguing and pulsing guitar line, and a big spy feeling.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Lava Bed" is a soft and pretty piece with shimmering tremolo and warmth. Its sunset on the shore imagery invites a leisurely walk in the sand. Very pretty liquid guitar lines complete the picture. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big swimming whammy, rich tone and rhythm, superb drums, and rock solid bass combine to present a wonderful song. In some ways, this reminds me of some of the tango-esq piece that King Of Hawaii have cut. It's an epic sweeping number with magnificent charm and exotic appeal.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Big Daddy Dirt Pile" uses a circular riff and rompin' rhythm against great drums to produce a rock instro with real appeal. It verges on exotic, and sounds very playful.
Surf (Instrumental)
Tribal drums and bass guide the guitars into this bouncing and infectious tune. "Neanderthal Beach Party" is jungle exotic and catchy. This nicely arranged number is well suited to cruising.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Firewater" is a shimmering tremolo journey that starts out sullen and gather energy very soon. It's melody is charming and smooth. The sense of chemistry in the arrangement is very evident. I like this a lot. This is not the Jimmy Haskell tune.
Surf (Instrumental)
Wow. This slow and jungle cool track just shimmers with exotic charm and pulsing emotion. Its easy gate and cool tone create a compelling image of faraway places and romantic adventure. "Figs" is simply superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
Inspired by Johnny Smith's "Walk, Don't Run," this quickly sets itself apart from the link. "Run, Walk, Whatever" is a fine track in its own right, with a well developed melody and arrangement. Charming and motion oriented.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Intentional Walk" shines with tremolo charm and island beauty. Slightly sad, and utterly charming. The pulsing tremolo and tribal drums are superb. Double picked lines add a Spanish, or maybe Italian feeling.
Rockabilly (Instrumental)
Great drums pound, rumbling bass romps, and a rockabilly echo wonder ensues. Surf whammy chords keep the faith. Fun and well done.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very detective-sounding track, with long echoed guitar lines sadly laying out an image of after dark loneliness and mystery. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Agent Yarmy" is a short blast of charming guitar riffs and great drums, along with bass feedback. Dangerous and detective cool.