Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Man From RavCon - Everything Is Goldendotdotdot
artworkThere are some good ideas here, and much of the album is well written and arranged. While it's not surf in most sense of the word, there are some surfable tracks, and if nicely done, mostly easy going rock instro fits your plans, The Man From RavCon will please.
Picks: Hammerhead, Moonlight Mountain, Atalaya, Dead Man's Cove, Organ Grinder, Once Upon A Time In The West

Track by Track Review


Hammerhead dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

Liberating rhythms from earlier days in support of a coastal vision, "Hammerhead" is almost melodic. Its organ seems at odds while the lead approaches surf. Modern tone and single notes. The arrangement is pretty good.

Moonlight Mountain dotdotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

Light drums and shimmering tremolo run under a gentle melody with a tropical feel. "Moonlight Mountain" has a sad but adventurous melody line. This is a very nice track - fine writing and arranging, and a soothing sound.

The Ferguson dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

Grungy rock tone and drums interspersed with occasional glissandos deliver a louder rock instro. It's hard to call it surf, but there are elements present that suggest the coast. It's more riff than melody for the most part, but it also sports some very nice transitions and a splendid break that should be its own song.

Atalaya dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

"Atalaya" is a lumbering number with a pleasant bass line and island guitar. The gentle whammy suggests Polynesia. very easy to like, with muted reverb on one of the guitars.

Flip Flop dotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Dark and grode, "Flip Flop" has a deep guitar riff and layered sound. It's all rock at a modest pace. Very deliberate sounding.

Dead Man's Cove dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

Long foggy notes over dry chords and an easy beat portray a mournful scene. "Dead Man's Cove" is a very well written song with a simple but very effective arrangement. Moody and uncertain.

Beyond The Dunes dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

Blues on the beach, with Leslie organ and a sense of film score. "Beyond The Dunes" is very down, but has some optimism in some lines.

Organ Grinder dotdotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

"Organ Grinder" is a faster track with a galloping beat and western twang in its bones. I can't say the title fits as it's very spaghetti western oriented. A fine track with an infectious beat.

Mosie dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

"Mosie" is just that - a track that moseys along. Acoustic and easy, pretty and very nicely played.

Once Upon A Time In The West dotdotdot
Western (Instrumental)

Fading in from the mist, with violins and moody cello I think, "Once Upon A Time In The West" eventually pumps up with excellent drums and bass. The organ is just filler, aping the melody much of the time. The lead, especially when accompanied but the muted rhythm pattern, is very tasteful.

Everything Is Golden dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

"Everything Is Golden" is a slow scene setter with a nice melody and easy sound. While romantic, it did not really leave a lasting impression.