Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Marklyn Retzer plays acoustic guitar and surfs. While not surf in the strict sense, Beach Days is a splendid aural treat, and his melodies have the flavor of the surf genre. Marklyn accompanies himself with multiple guitar parts, and has a style that hints of a folky and less rhythmic Paul Johnson. Being from Carlsbad, CA, maybe that's natural. Marklyn also has the distinction of participating in KFJC's Maximum Louie Louie event with a friend as the Worried Students.

Picks: Coolgroove, Happily Surfing, B In Subtle, Outside!, Morning Glass, Coconut, Ascending, Dancing In The Surf, Zoom, Shufflestep, Culture, Ritmo Del Mar, Thirteen, Squid Roe

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

The warmth of summer evenings on the sand while the sun drops below the outsiders comes across well in "Coolgroove." The melody is inviting and very enjoyable.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

"Happily Surfing" is as rhythmic and upbeat as its title would lead you to expect. A bit of a ska-island rhythm and a sunny melody. The circulating patterns reminds me of Paul Johnson. What an inviting instro.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

Slow and moody, with a melody seems at odds with the rhythm at time, yet has a sense of belonging at the same time. Very pretty.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

A great rhythm pattern that reminds me some of Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys and the Who's "Pinball Wizard." Delicate. rhythmic, dramatic, and exotic. Very cool!

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

The delicacy of the subject of the title comes across in "Morning Glass." Pretty and fluid.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

With a ukulele and island slide in tow, "Coconut" gently sways like the palms on a desert island's summer afternoon. Very light hearted.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

Big chord drama is at the center of "Ascending." Rhythm delivers the melody line in a style not unlike Jim Page. Simple and pulsing with an invitation to listen.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

Upbeat and light hearted, "Dancing In The Surf" may serve as a tasteful backdrop to a warm summer evening at the water's edge.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

"Zoom" doesn't zoom - that is to say it's not speedy at all. It's moderate pace gently plays on motion and slight drama.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

A bluesy progression and chop, and a very inviting sound that's a little tuff, while remaining delicate. "Shufflestep" caught my attention right away, and then grew on my some. The glissando is entirely too cool!

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

With a blend of elements, Marklyn brings forth a bouncy instro with a complex series of patterns.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

Lush and enticing, "Ritmo Del Mar" has a Spanish flavor as it paints a picture of the lure of the curl. It ebbs and flows like the rhythm of the surf, and stays with you.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

Track 13 is called "Thirteen." Is that a coincidence? Does it matter? Slow and pensive, until the rhythm develops, then it takes on a more optimistic sound.

Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

This is a combination of playful and bluesy, much in the way early guitar works sounded in the first part of the 20th Century. It has a serious and metered feel, yet is also light and playful.