Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Lunatics - Bewaredotdotdotdot
artworkFans of Laika and the Cosmonauts will like this a lot. It's in their general neighborhood, but developed differently, with less cute and more power. Some really nice arrangements here, along with excellent musicianship. Overall, the sound is a blend of Finish surf and Euro, with dynamic drums and lots of energy.
Picks: James Bond Theme, The Domino Theory, El Greco, Escape From 5th Dimension, M.A.D., Conspiracy, Summertime, Top Secret, The Twilight Zone, Robtyrant, Zodiac

Track by Track Review


James Bond Theme dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fast-ish version of the "James Bond Theme" with surfability and a rockabilly beat. It's mighty infectious.

The Domino Theory dotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

Sparkling island surf and moody spy sounds with ringing whammy chords and an echoed sound. Adventurous and slightly Euro.

El Greco dotdotdotdot
Spanish Surf (Instrumental)

Spanish flair, party shouts, and a a rock solid performance with rapid fire drums and ringing surf guitar. Very infectious, and lots of fun. The melody line almost sparkles.

Escape From 5th Dimension dotdotdotdot
Adventure Surf (Instrumental)

Warm and swimming in liquid guitar, "Escape From 5th Dimension" pours from the monitors like early Laika and the Cosmonauts, but with less cute and more smoothness. Very cool.

M.A.D. dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

"M.A.D." (Mutually Assured Destruction) is a fast number with a rich sound and very active percussion. Spectacularly fun.

Conspiracy dotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

More angular than the rest here, yet still spunky and liquid in that Laika way.

Summertime dotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

"Summertime" is a bluesy interpretation of George Gershwin's classic. Spunky and fun.

Top Secret dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

Rockin' drums and splashing guitar with a walking bass line, plucking out a very Laika and the Cosmonauts kinda tune. The dribbling double picked bridge is very cool. This is very infectious.

The Twilight Zone dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

Take the theme to the The Twilight Zone and play it against great tribal rockin' drums and a bass line that suggest "Maleguena," and you get a synergy that bowls you over. Really cool!

Robtyrant dotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

Rhythmic pulsing and sparkling optimism writhe for your pleasure here. The Lunatics unleash an onslaught of happy rioting.

Zodiac dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

Soft and slow, moody and eerie, "Zodiac" rings with harmonic haunting and echoed ghostliness. Very moody, and very cool!