Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

The Greaseballs are fronted by Bill Bulinksi, once a member of the legendary Midwest band the Electras, who's instrumental roots have resurfaced here. This instrumental combo is no one trick pony, using surf and country and great lap steel to create soundscapes that are melodic and adventurous. There are hints of obscure rarities on occasion, which augment this 17 track work. Bill is ably supported by Manny Guevara - guitar, Carl Hayano - bass, and Theresa Drda - drums. The Greaseballs have been together since 1987, but this is their first CD.

Picks: Sci-Fi and the Moonburners, Ride the Texas Surf, Hoboken Hustle, Riceburner, Iguana, Flying Guillotine, Triller, Mourning Becomes Electra, Slow Poison, El Caballo, Froggy Went A-Surfin', Hopped-Up On Goofballs, Pistolero, Last Wave, Dr. Infanticide, Snake Eyes, Paraiso

Surf (Instrumental)

This highly rhythmic track relies on pure trad chunk and a fine melody to carry the message. "Sci-Fi and the Moonburners" is both interesting and infectious, with lots of tribal thunder and reverb. Excellent!

Cowboy Surf (Instrumental)

A bit of the old western, a dab of twang, a low-E melody, damped chunk, and reverb, all together in an adventurous number with a playful drive and cactus prickle.

Polk Salad (Instrumental)

Ultra suave Polk Salad Annie feel in a swampy setting, like a trip to the general store in search of just the right tangy mango dressing to go with those foundling greens, blending bumpkin grit and black tie smooth...

Blues (Instrumental)

"Riceburner" is a bluesy tune, with a dry twang and a jazzy melody. Delicately played, with a warm melody approaching Paul Johnson's arena in style.

Lap Steel Country Surf (Instrumental)

Silky warm southwest country slither... quite a cool track, with a sunny disposition and that endearing lap steel guitar lead. More country that surf, yet the slide approaches the watery sounds achieved by Martin Brown of the Impacts.

Surf (Instrumental)

What an interesting piece. Damped reverb surf, double picked leads, a Nashville twang, and lots of charm. Great damped harmonic glissandoes... egad, what fun.

Exotic Tribal Surf (Instrumental)

"Triller" sports a playful warm melody riff played out at a moderate pace over precise tribal drums... The effect is exotic and silky, and very warm. The melody line is very nice. Excellent track.

Metric Surf (Instrumental)

In deference to Bill Bulinksi's sixties band the Electras, "Mourning Becomes Electra" employs a metered riff that's almost gimmicky, but is so well done it stays on the credible side of that line. Syncopated and very cool.

Crescent Surf (Instrumental)

"Slow Poison" is a grodie grinding and chunky track, with a gutty chord progression and a spirited style reminiscent of "Pink Dominoes" (Chiyo and the Crescents). very fun.

Country (Instrumental)

Great drums and a smooth bass underpin this warm number, with a catchy riff and a sub-country sound that stays with you. Lots of fun, and nicely structured.

Surf (Instrumental)

Mid tempo trad surf with a contemporary feel, with an unusual melody line and a deceptive simplicity. Chunky at times, smooth at others. Quite a nice track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Hopped-Up On Goofballs" is a surf instro in the eighties LA scene vein, like maybe a cross between the Wedge, the Cylinders, and the Piers. Rhythmic and infectious, warm and bouncy.

Surfabilly (Instrumental)

This surfabilly tune bounces at an infectious gate, with the kind of subtle energy that the Cadillac Angels get with a grin. "Pistolero" is fun and mighty tasty too.

Desert Surf (Instrumental)

"Last Wave" is a slowish lagoon kinda number, with a warm dry desert tone and exotic percussion. Very pretty for an afternoon on the dunes.

Rock (Instrumental)

Slightly mournful, and a little off kilter. While a little more repetitious than the rest of the tunes here, it has enough off beat charm to keep you interested.

Surf (Instrumental)

A little bit like "Boss" in the opening, this charming Spanish flavored piece sports shimmering vibrato second guitar under a soft lead. Delicate, but with real charm.

Surf (Instrumental)

Lap steel suave, slow walk blues, playful surf images... "Paraiso" conjures a lazy beach day in late September as the sun sets in a red-orange haze.