Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This special CD-R promo contains all the tracks from the forthcoming Hypnotic IV CD Go Baby Go!, plus the four songs from their new seven inch High Octane California Surf, and as an added bonus, their acoustic version of "Que Hombre" and the seven tracks from their first 1998 demo. Totally cool!

Picks: Special X200, Que Hombre, Two Stroke Buzz, Nitrous Overload, Ginza Lights, Dirty Bird Stomp, Left On 299, Peace Pipe, Go Baby Go!, High Octane, Afternoon In Tunisia, Carmela, SR vs. The Man, Parasite Beach, High Octane, Downshiftin', Special X200, Pedal Pusher, Que Hombre, Journey To The Stars, Music To Pack Cigs By, Penetration, Sukiyaki, Monster Swell, Latin'ia, Mr. Rebel

Surf (Instrumental)

This is one solid surf rocker! fast and reverby, "Special X200" powers and splashes with fire and ice. Big surf looms on the horizon as the oblivious dodge and cut back on tight shorebreak. Excellent damped reverb and big chord chunk. A great song for the curl rider and hodad alike. The CD version opens with a kick-started bike revving up as the song kicks in.

Surf (Instrumental)

Double picked Spanish drama and surf splash cohabit in this delightful surf epic. In some ways, the writing reminds me of the Treble Spankers, but it's much more California than they are. "Que Hombre" is very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Two Stroke Buzz" is a chunker of the first order, with the kind of structure and intensity the Apemen achieve. Solid and powerful, with 15" Fender sound!

Fuzz Surf (Instrumental)

With a fuzz and organ line that's inspired by the Blues Magoos groovy "We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet," the Hypnotic IV pump out "Nitrous Overload" with all the garage angst of an impending frat party. Way fun!

Surf (Instrumental)

The Ventures' cut "Ginza Lights" many moons ago, but with less reverb and charm. This is a surf rich take in mid tempo, with plenty of charm and warmth. Very nice track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Dirty Bird Stomp" uses an slightly Indian riff with the organ lightly peaking around the corner. Mid tempo and on the lighter side, but with cool chunk too.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Left On 299" is a great track, with lots of damped reverb chunk and a splashy riff. A great surf beat and a solidly double picked melody line, this is one of those fit to be cruised songs that's ripe for a top down coast drive. Excellent!

Surf (Instrumental)

The Shadows' beautiful "Peace Pipe" is often covered by the Shadows clones in Europe, but seldom by surf bands. The bongos give it an exotic edge, and the ringing reverb a round liquidity. The damped reverb verse is spectacular.

Heavy Surf (Instrumental)

The title track sports groovy damped reverb riffs and a suave beat, and uses the "Wipe Out" progression mid stream. Big splash and powerful percussion.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big chunk and pumpin' surf generally of the frat party variety, with a rockin' surf riff and beer induced intensity. Gets yur attention, Fosters or not.

Surf (Instrumental)

Great damped reverb and intense twangage assault you as "Afternoon In Tunisia" grooves by. A bit of the middle east, and amazing intensity drive it home. An excellent track! No, it's not "Night In Tunisia."

Surf (Instrumental)

This song is entirely too cool for school! A bit of the Greek oom-pa rhythm and a very warm melody. "Carmela" is wonderfully charming and catchy, and brings joy to the ears. The trumpet is an interesting touch. The changes of tempo add a sense of the Mediterranean. Deluxe!

Surf (Instrumental)

Big loud intensity, rippin' fast glissandoes, and a nod to the Stevie Ray Vaughn battle with Dick Dale, brings a raging fire to "SR vs. The Man." Not many faster or more fiery, and great melody too!

Surf (Instrumental)

More or less riff dominated, but catchy and circular. On the frat side structure wise, and plenty solid.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big chunk and pumpin' surf generally of the frat party variety, with a rockin' surf riff and beer induced intensity. Gets yur attention, Fosters or not.

Surf (Instrumental)

Don't let the first few delicate verses fool you, 'cuz soon enough they launch into hard drivin' surf riffology with a rock solid backtrack. Tuff enough!

Surf (Instrumental)

The Ventures' "Pedal Pusher" is reverently redefined with reverb and power. Solid bass and that pulsing organ bridge drive it to the metal.

Surf (Instrumental)

Spanish acoustic guitar double picks, acoustic rhythm charms the senorita, and the bass and drums pound mightily. This rearrangement is marvelous, and begs the question why more bands don't employ real power drums and bass with acoustic guitar. The contrast is spectacular!

Surf (Instrumental)

This charming early demo of the Ventures' "Journey To The Stars" is solid, if not formative and fairly straight forward. The bridges are reworked and very cool! Way fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

Chunky and spunky, "Music To Pack Cigs By" sports a rolling drum beat and a slightly "Music To Watch Girls By" melody line. Interesting, and very surfy.

Surf (Instrumental)

the Pyramids' ultra classic "Penetration" in the Ventures' arrangement with the tweaky In Space string swipes intact. Solid.

Surf (Instrumental)

One of the sappiest hits to come to America's shores from Japan, "Sukiyaki" gets a new lease on life as the Hypnotic IV pump it out with ample power and drive.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the coolest song... with a great circular riff and rolling drums deluxe. Not quite as hot as the Hypnotica version, but damn fine nonetheless. Great surf chunk and splash.

Surf (Instrumental)

Tommy Nunes' glorious "Latin'ia" is quite nicely done in an arrangement somewhere between the beauty of the Sentinals and the edge of Bob Vaught and the Renegades. The raw power adds edge and meanness to an otherwise visually gorgeous song.

Surf (Instrumental)

Eddie Bertrand's signature song "Mr. Rebel" is arranged very much like the Eddie and the Showmen single. Fast and fun, cool and splashy! A fine cover!