Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Kilaueas - Mundaka Calls
 | Album 2 from the Kilaueas displays a big step forward. Well developed songs with a very attractive sound, consistently performed and mixed. There's lots here for the surf fan, particularly is you're a sucker for the damped reverbed rhythm, like me. |
Picks: Rumble And Run, Triumphator Electric, Black Phantom Twang, Flamingo A Go Go, Malaguena, Mundaka Calls, Black Sands, Saturdaynite At The Lavapond, Luna Tiki, Caravan, Hula Roach, Antenna Moon, Checkmate 100, Jaws, Orchid Avenue, Teenage Raptor
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a great version of the Atlantics' "Rumble and Run." Right from the long dribbling glissando, it promises and delivers great reverbed Oz surf. It's much less intense than the original, with a delicacy that adds a new dimension. A thoroughly wonderful track!
Surf (Instrumental)
Ultra fast double picked guitar and Euro twang combine to generate a very nice song. "Triumphator Electric" is a blend of Hank Marvin, traditional European melody stylings, and surf.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big twang and rich surf rhythms power this dangerous rhythmic song. Menacing in a Jon and the Nightriders or Sir Finks kinda way, "Black Phantom Twang" is chunky and well defined. A wonderful track that's all about the rhythm power of reverb.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Flamingo A Go Go" is a delicate damped reverb surf epic with dribbling glissandoes and pure reverb joy. Attractive and kinda spooky, with that wonderful damped rhythm.
Surf (Instrumental)
Ernesto Lecuona's main unwitting contribution to the surf genre is laid out like a cross between surf and a more traditional sound. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Like an Atlantics song they never did, "Mundaka Calls" has that kind of intensity with galloping rhythm chords. Ominous in a string bending kinda way, with a definite Euro sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
A great surf damped rhythm runs gently under a haunting Euro melody with excellent results. It's not often that the two genres blend so well, but "Black Sands" is a splendid example of the potential realized. Moody and reverbed perfectly, and very pleasing to the ear.
Saturdaynite At The Lavapond Surf (Instrumental)
Tchaikovsky's contribution to the Shadows is transformed to a surfable song by the Kilaueas. "Saturdaynite At The Lavapond" ("Saturday Night At The Duckpond" at the hands of the Shadows) is simply fun and cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
haunting circular damped surf rhythm and dribbly double picked melody lines merge for a surf melange of old world and new. Great surf feel, historic reverence, drama, upbeat optimism, and exceptional playing. Way cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Tribal drums and a nod to Buddy Merrell or Les Paul with some reverb and lots of spunk creates a new experience with Duke Ellington's "Caravan." Quite cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
With a "Midnight Run" kinda rhythm guitar, "Hula Roach" drives for similar rhythmic attraction. The melody line is a bit tweaky and haunting, and with this rhythm track, very appealing. Lots of guitars play off each other for a full surf effect!
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow shimmering vibrato, surf rhythm guitar, sulking moodiness, and excellent reverb tone. "Antenna Moon" is a very pretty song that's romantic and aquatic. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Checkmate 100" rocks and rolls with the dampness of a summer rain. Delicate, yet energetic and angular. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Not the film score, but rather a fast romp with dribbling guitar runs and a moody melody line. "Jaws" prances and flashes its teeth without a sense of danger. Quite fun and somewhat formal. The military beat and delicate dribble are great together.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a slow and delicate song with damped rhythm and moody lead guitar lines. "Orchid Avenue" is a fluid romantic surf in the evening kinda song, with a bit of sadness tempered by a sense of a new beginning. Excellent!
Spy (Instrumental)
"Racin' Motorcars" is essentially a different take of "Racin' Sidecars."