Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA I Fantomatici - Spaghetti Surf
 | Spaghetti Surf represents a significant step forward for I Fantomatici. As they mature, their arrangements get stronger and the blend of spaghetti western and surf becomes more original. Great CD. |
Picks: Riviera Berica, Crockabilly, La Legge Del Dollaro, Banana Beach, Klaus Kinski, Sputnik, Orgasmo Intergalattico, Spaghetti Surf, Il Risveglio Della Mummia, Enterprise, Malasurf, Vicenza Violenza
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Riviera Berica" is a very nice progression based instro. The main riff climbs and falls in a circular motion. A couple of verses in, the second guitar switched from a surf pattern to a lead jam. The break is really quite lovely, perhaps warranting development into a song on its own.
Surf (Instrumental)
A fun and almost goody two note beat runs beneath a very playful melody line that's also quite friendly. "Crockabilly" begins inconspicuously, but as the song evolves, you find yourself sucked in. Tribal drums and reverb charm.
Surf (Instrumental)
Glorious reverb rings out while wonderful spaghetti charm ensues. I found that I kept upping my rating of this track as I listened. It's infectious and warm, and very engaging. Sad at times, optimistic at others, "La Legge Del Dollaro" is a total charmer.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Banana Beach" is a very cool surf number with a splendid melody line and great surf tone. The two guitars play off each other very well, giving it a sense of composition. Splendid.
Surf (Instrumental)
Angular and uneasy, "Klaus Kinski" demands your attention if for no other reason that intro and bridges seem so out of sorts. A very unusual track, perhaps inspired by uneasy screen shots.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dramatic and fluid, tribal and dangerous, "Sputnik" sports some solid drumming excellent guitar arrangements. There are many songs with this title, and this is none of them.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a futurist and forbidding instro with dark surf tendencies. Big whammy and an unusual guitar line, along with an uneasy feeling. The break features some cool effects and guitar work.
Surf (Instrumental)
You might imagine that there would be spaghetti western and surf references here. You would be correct. Lovely surf tone and open plane imagery combine for a fine ride across a grand expanse. Very cool!
Il Risveglio Della Mummia Surf (Instrumental)
An exotic Middle Eastern melody plays in moody tone across tribal drums and moody bass. The second guitar's surf chords are a perfect counterpoint to the melody. This is a splendid slow moving desert masterpiece.
Surf (Instrumental)
Double picked guitar, "Miserlou"-like rhythm chords, excellent drums and slithery bass deliver a superb surf instro. "Enterprise" is a mid tempo track with a lot of charm and dribbling reverb.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Malasurf" moves to a sensual slow one-two beat in a Jewish structure. It's very cool, in the same way that Meshugga Beach Party is, but without the grin. It is the moodiness that sets it apart. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
From a "Secret Agent Man" styled opening, "Vicenza Violenza" develops into a sparkling spy epic with great tone and guitar interplay. Rich and adventurous.