Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Gasolines - Pura Veneta



 | This band just keeps making better records! Brazil's Gasolines are a superb band that produce consistently interesting and cool tracks. Their music is reverb with exotic percussion and original writing. I love this! |
Picks: Sunset, El Duelo, Bola Sete, Jungle Tango, Real Hot, The Monsters Theme, Uska Dara, Ace Of Spades, Fireball, El Tico, The Cossack, Balady, Uminchu, Oura Tiquira, Sunrise
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Sunset" has a groovy riff that circles based on a simple chord progression. It sports squonking sax, and is just too much fun! At just over a minute, it leaves you wanting more. Very infectious!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big tribal drums and a Link Wray-ish bass line pump in support of rich whammy and reverb guitar. "El Duelo" is spunky and fun, and will bring you back for more. It's "Jack The Ripper" influences don't hide, but are used in an original way. I like this a lot!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Bola Sete" is very catchy, jazzy, rockin' cool, and a real pleasure. It's riff is simple and basic like a Sergio Mendez groove, but it's all surf and salsa.
Surf Jazz (Instrumental)
Exotic percussion, tribal drums, moody bass, and writhing infectious vibes present what is mostly an aura of jungle vibe. It reminds me of Herbie Mann's "Cuban Potato Chip" at times.
Surf Dub (Instrumental)
A dub rhythm, and production behind a very tasteful circular guitar riff are superbly cool. "Real Hot" is an original idea that's very well executed. The use of Echoplex and reverb crash as dub elements is superb! Big grins here!
Surf (Instrumental)
Vic Mizzy's "Munsters" is done with some goofy theremin and screams. Musically, it's at a normal pace in the beginning, but soon enough, it's racing along! More strange and fun than serious.
Dark Alley
Surf (Instrumental)
"Dark Alley" is a groove with some dub elements, super bass, and a fine melody. Big whammy and surf chords play a warm track. This is perhaps similar in idea to Davie Allan's "Dark Alley," but miles from the fuzz.
Surf (Instrumental)
With a slightly uneasy tone, The Gasolines play a Russian melody over tribal drums and moody bass. As "Uska Dara" accelerates, it takes on a more psychedelic feeling, not tonally, but in structure. The dribbled double picking adds surfability. Drama and unnerving mystery.
Surf (Instrumental)
Link Wray and his Raymen's "Ace Of Spades" is all about long dark chords, which The Gasolines employ with reverb and a touch of feedback. This simple song is always menacing. Way cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboys and reverb chords always go well together. The melody riff is simple and very effective. The rhythm chords are engaging. Rodeo yee-haw for the waves.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Tequila" rhythms, Spanish flavor, exotic drums, and exuberant hollers add up to a splendid party groover. All fun!
Surf (Instrumental)
Jim Messina and The Jesters' "The Cossack" is modified a bit, but sure does sport the spunk required. Not as fiery as the original, but it's rounder tone and more restrained delivery give it a fresh face.
Surf (Instrumental)
With an exotic melody that calls to the Mideast, "Balady" goes from sensual tribal to rockin' exotic. The drums are great here, and the guitar creates a genuine adventurous image of oasis delights. The bass is perfectly suited for the sensual drone of the structure. It's a but psychedelic on top of everything else!
Surf (Instrumental)
Pulsing bass and drums and water sensually drive the guitar's patterns. It's all in sync in a truly undulating way! "Uminchu" is a very original song with no shortage of sensual connection. Totally tubular, to coin a phrase.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Oura Tiquira" is a watery wolf call number with a tropical edge. The percussion is excellent, as usual.
Surf (Instrumental)
The water gently laps the shore as the guitar and sax float on the horizon. "Sunrise" is upon the bay where tortuga swims. The sax is perhaps reminiscent of The Eliminators. This is a very nice track.