Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Infrareds - Sounds From The Darkroom
 | This is the third CD from a band rising in the attention zone of other surfbands. 12 wonderful instros to further temp you into their darkroom! |
Picks: The Rambo Kid, KLI, Change In The Water, Matte Blood, Pictures Of Your Girlfriend, The Lost Air, Third Star To The Left, Deluxe Images, Ms. Represented, Half Moon Bay, Sounds From The Darkroom, High Tide
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Rambo Kid" is a fast and chunky stomper with great guitar tone and an angular guitar riff that's relentless in its assault. More chord dominated than melodic, but quite captivating.
Surf (Instrumental)
Grumbling bass opens To big shallow whammy chords and dangerous notes over rapid drum work. Fast and fiery, dark and dangerous, "KLI" does not let up. Definitely more nervous assault than melody, but very strong nonetheless. Whew!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a highly rhythmic track with lots and lots of energy. It has a grand sense of forward motion and optimism in a somewhat dangerous terrane. The well defined sense emotional content is delivered with plenty of power and delicacy. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
The kind of spitfire guitar that Dick Dale used in "Nitro" and the Chantays employed in "Killer Dana" drives this song. A real guitar workout with lots and lots of drum energy, all supported by grumbling bass.
Pictures Of Your Girlfriend Surf (Instrumental)
This is a slow and silky song played out on distant surf guitar over damped reverb and vibrato. The soft rhythm is very inviting, and the melody expresses a miss-you feeling. Very pretty and moody.
Surf (Instrumental)
Jangle chords run beneath a fiery lead guitar that's amped up in a double picked frenzy of power and beauty. "The Lost Air" is a spectacular song with lots and lots of energy. Very fast picking here.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Nocturnes' newfound classic "Third Star To The Left" gets the grumble surf treatment, with very fast firepower on the guitar. This simply rages. Big ringing chords, dark edge, and rolling drums, along with that great Nocturnes' melody and guitar effects.
Surf (Instrumental)
Very inviting guitar lines and rolling drums, grumbly bass, an infectious sound, and a ton of energy. "Deluxe Images" is a very fine instro with plenty of changes and drive. The splashy reverb is very engaging.
Surf (Instrumental)
Angular vibrato chords, darkness from within the guitar's very soul, and great muted melody lines. "Ms. Represented" is a splendid song with a great deal of charm, in a moody and dangerous sort of way. Splendid!
Surf (Instrumental)
The Volcanos' "Half Moon Bay" is a perfect vehicle for the Infrareds because of its mighty fast guitar lines and similar writing style. This tuff and raging instro is ablaze with reverb and energy.
Surf (Instrumental)
A long relatively dry muted glissando yields to an angular and mysterious melody line. Hints of the Mediterranean, the power of a caravan raid, and the intensity of "The Victor" combine uniquely in this fine instro.
Surf (Instrumental)
Unlisted on the sleeve, the Lively Ones' "High Tide" is played with reverence and power. The arrangement is very traditional, and seems a natural for the Infrareds. It's maybe less intense than the original, but that does not hold it back. Excellent.