Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Hawaiian Astro Boys - Thank U Sir, May I Have Another
 | This is a great disc, full of high powered splash and sultry sway. Very good writing, fairly consistent production values, and a sense of ensemble. |
Picks: Assume the Position, Noctiluca, Amapola, The Return of Kali, Mahabharata, Her Sister, Maroc7, Cowboy Jimmy, Marabunta, Burnin' Rubber, Thank You Sir, May I Have Another, Dream On, Yami, Untitled
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Rising from the murk of b-movie weirdness and appreciated whippings, the Hawaiian Astro Boys launch into a fine surf instro with fast double picked flash and great energy. A thoroughly enjoyable romp in the reverb tank.
Surf (Instrumental)
A speedily delivered flash fest with a very cool riff. Fire and mondo energy, with big surf sound. "Noctiluca" is quite an infectious number!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is easily the most fun I've had with traditional instrumental reinvention since Amon Dùùl II morphed "La Krautoma." various version are out there, but this simply sparkles and rocks!
Surf (Instrumental)
More rapid fire surf romping. "The Return of Kali" rages across a tight face on a short board with no fear. Dark and unlimited by danger, it's a furious assault on the curl.
Surf (Instrumental)
A little like a part two of "The Return of Kali," this song is harsher and more aggressive. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
Dark chords, deliberate pacing, dramatic danger, and a sense of mechanical love permeate "Her Sister." This is a very unusual surf instro!
Surf (Instrumental)
Sparkling chords and an island softness flows from this picturesque song. The melody is very nice, and the arrangement is well textured and effective. Very cool track!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Cowboy Jimmy" rides his surf pony through the sage brush at the edge of the dunes. What a cool song, with an engaging rhythm and sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
Yikes! "Marabunta" is a splashing good time. Very happy and fun, with great muted reverb and rhythm. It calls to open road adventure and longboard cutbacks. Very nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big chop chords drive this high energy cover of the Surfaris' too-cool instro "Burnin' Rubber." Lots of flair and style, and plenty of updated vintage energy!
Thank You Sir, May I Have Another Surf (Instrumental)
Whammy dips and chord chops, and spunky energy. "Thank You Sir, May I Have Another" is an instro with a catchy riff that's somewhere between surf and frat rock.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Dream On" is a fluid and slow instro with glorious island chords and lush imagery. Day dreams from a hammock suspended between gently swaying palms overlooking a placid lagoon on a warm breezy afternoon. Simply wonderful.
Surf (Instrumental)
Moving slowly through gently muted reverb guitar lines and long sustain, "Yami" is a very emotional and visual song. Delicate and moving, with a lush and beautiful sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
A 14th song that is uncredited pounds out after a silence following "Yami," but unsegmented into its own track. Big rock guitar, surf thrash, and lots of spunk.