Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | Germany's Monokini issued these tracks in 2004, and somehow they eluded me. Very strong arranging, a marvelous sense of composition and synergy, and, of course, real surf. These are really fine tracks, with exceptionally good drumming. Every track is complete and well arranged, and presents grand surf imagery. |
Picks: Reef Rash, Torpedo Run, Banzai Pipeline, Mercury, Shore Break, Cyclone, Agent X, Rocket Blueboard, Curare, Nosedancer, Thunder Bay, Ich Idiot, The Wedge
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Reef Rash" is a splendid track in the mold of eighties US surf instros. melodic and energetic, with great drums and chanted title, and very enjoyable rhythms. This fastish track is very upbeat and enjoyable.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is somewhat in the vein of spaghetti westerns, but with a surf twist and faster pace. Great drumming and a fine melody line. "Torpedo Run" is upbeat and engaging, and surely would do well in your car.
Surf (Instrumental)
A catchy riff and stinging whammy capture you, and the melody sparkles with enthusiasm and charm. This song has lovely chords and a fine rhythm section. "Banzai Pipeline" is not the Henry Mancini song of the same name.
Surf (Instrumental)
A very traditional surf note pattern on second guitar rises from the launch pad to a welcoming but cool melody. Lovely chords shimmer in the bridges, muted pleasure rings from the sides, and more. "Mercury" is a very nice and soothing composition, that is also well suited for that coastal drive.
Surf (Instrumental)
The sea laps at the shore, a guitar gently lays out whammy and a lovely run, and then "Shore Break" takes off on a tuff wave, driven by a great melody riff and glissandos and a counter melody, and gaining solid power from very effective bass and great drums.
Surf (Instrumental)
In a kind of "Bat Man" opening riff, you are lulled into expecting something much less engaging. "Cyclone" is fast and double picked and whammified, with lots of energy and dry chords. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Agent X" rips from note one while the sirens wail in the background. While a bit derivative, it's also very good. Great energy and splash, and drama tool. A winner.
Surf (Instrumental)
In a turn to a less engaging composition, "Rocket Blueboard" is more riffy than everything else here. However, it features great stinging whammy chords and great drums and bass, and frantic guitar interaction. The seeming lesser state seems to emanate from the mix which subdues the lead guitar some, because where the sting chords prevail, this thing rips!
Surf (Instrumental)
On the slower side, "Curare" is also fairly light hearted for a song named after a poison. The melody is playful, the tom toms rumble, and the sense of synergy is obvious. The ska rhythm part way through provides variety. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
Vibes paint a Caribbean picture, hand claps say vacation, and the melody is easy to enjoy. "Nosedancer" is a thoroughly enjoyable sidetrip on this holiday surfride.
Surf (Instrumental)
As the ocean rolls onto the sand, the guitar plays lightly, but then the kettle drums and infectious rhythms take over, and a groovy melody ensues. The harsh left-right pan on the guitars looses the focus of the melody, but the track works well anyway in an island holiday kind of way.
Surf (Instrumental)
Mid tempo suave and undulatingly groovy, "Ich Idiot" is a very playful, slightly goofy song that's just for grins. It's quite an easy going way to end the CD.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a bonus track for their website, displaying the same marvelous energy and reverb splash as the album, but in ambient live sound. great drums and an uppity performance. Lots of fire and spit.
