Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Lava Rats - Live In California
 | San Francisco's Lava Rats keep getting better and better. This six song CD-R release is comprised is live recordings made in 2003 at Rusty's Surf Ranch, The Lava Lounge, and KFJC. While some of the sound is ambient, the energy is great and the performances very good. |
Picks: PCH, Blowtorch, XT-202, Rockaway, Heat Lightning, Nightfall
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Named for the original surf highway, "PCH" (Pacific Coast Highway) begins slowly, but evolves quickly into a mid tempo surf chunker with a cool melody line and chunky reverb energy. This new song is an excellent adventure down a pere-dawn PCH on a stormy morning in search of the perfect spot. Totally cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Hard driving music, ready for a rumble in the alley. Much more about rage and danger than melody, yet powerful and mean. It may be minimalist melodically, but it sure does pound!
Spy Surf (Instrumental)
A unique opener launches this big twango spyish tune. Some tentative playing, but original writing and arranging. This is ominous and reverby, with some loud string swipes and evil moodiness.
Lava Flow Surf (Instrumental)
Slow and sinewy, with dangerous vibrato and moody chords a la "Harlem Nocturne," placed together in a dark format that lumbers like a creeping lava flow. Interesting and brooding.
Surf (Instrumental)
Fast drums and reverby thrash chords introduce a powered lead line. A little jammy, but full of danger and raw power. More than that, it's mean and aggressive.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Nightfall" is a rockin' surf instro in the general neighborhood of the Evasions, but darker and more reverby. A rock beat with splashy guitar and a thumpy bass line. Fast and fun, with excellent surfability.