Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This is a splendid surf CD from one of the coolest surfbands around. very consistent in style and sound and energy. |
Picks: Retribution, Logan's Run, Kalashnikov, Nebulop, Chummy Jigger, Morpheus, Dragunov, El Boracho, S.O.S., All Your Base..., Uhura, Bus Stop, Von Schlieffen Plan, Plymouth Rock, Ghastly Stomp
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
From a dark and dramatic introduction, "Retribution" launches into a fast and dangerous rage segmented by superb muted transitions. Great drums and big twang!
Surf (Instrumental)
Runnin' down the road in a '56 T-Bird in search of surf... "Logan's Run" is a superb surf instro with lots of splash, reverb, and a great melody that's simple and engaging. A very solid track amped with great glissandos.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dribbly and mysterious, "Kalashnikov" paints a picture of danger in a Soviet world where there's not much else to let you know you're alive. Infectious and powerful, and sporting great drums and lots of reverb.
Surf (Instrumental)
Splendid surf drums and muted surfisms pump under a solid stomp and go track. Fine listening with extra swell rhythms.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Chummy Jigger" reminds me a bit of early Merrell Fankhauser, but with more reverb and a truer surf sound. Infectious surf rhythm and frantic drums. Great energy and power.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Toads' infectious "Morpheus" is very well done. It lends itself well to the Nebulas' sound and style. Great drums and surf rhythm. Thoroughly cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a slower song with a very cool surf sound. A mysterious melody with a Dick Dale-esq sense captures your imagination. I like how this uses simplicity and sophistication to blend elements. The slow first half is more engaging than the fast second half, though that doesn't mean it is any less cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
Trembling introductions bring on a powerful surf rage that demands your attention. A dark melody and great drums supported by wonderful drums and solid bass combine to create a fine track for a coastal drive. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
"S.O.S." doesn't need the help it calls for. The Nebulas' signature drums and bass and rhythm guitar run wonderfully below a solid melody. Drama, art, and power. Oh yeah, and there's plenty of shimmer too!
Surf (Instrumental)
Spacy sci-fi soundscapes wash over you, then the assault begins. The opening is superb, and the power surf rhythms of the song are equally fine. Lots of energy and spunk, and ample splash of course. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a wonderful surf anthem for Nytoba Uhuru (Nichelle Nichols), though she never emoted such a sound and fury. Drama and ever-cool rhythms, along with engaging chord progressions and splash.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Hollies' very well written "Bus Stop" is so melodic that it's a perfect vehicle for the surf idiom. If you didn't know the original, you'd surely accept it as a modern surf classic. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a dark and motion-oriented number with great drums and energy. The bass rumbles, and the guitars demand attention. This is really well arranged.
Surf (Instrumental)
Satan's Pilgrims's stomper is nicely transmuted into the Nebulas' aural fixation. Plenty of energy and spunk.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Ghastly Ones' eponymous tune is driven hard and splashed into major surf territory. Big and bold, and way splashy.
