Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The One Night Standards - Sunsetdotdotdotdot
artworkA dozen new tracks from The One Night Standards. This CD sports some excellent songs that must just rip live. The band has a solid and original sound. Besides the fact that there are some really strong tracks here, what I find curious is the tracks that seem influenced by The Torpedoes - interesting because Brian Pool now lives in Davenport, Iowa, where The One Night Standards are from, and he is the one that turned me onto them in the first place. There's no mention in on the sleeve, but I have to wonder. Anyway, I really like this disc.
Picks: The Dredge, Tukwila, Blast Off, Temptress, Monster Beach Party, Dead Drop, Sex Wax, Lament, Rollin Ten, Sunset

Track by Track Review


The Dredge dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Big reverb twang drives "The Dredge" with a rock beat and dark tone. The circular riff and splash chords, coupled with the theremin, create a spacy danger zone. Pretty cool!

Tukwila dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Superb opening chords call forth a friendly and infectious melody. The classic surf beat and bass are perfectly suited for the uplifting spirit of the lead. "Tukwila" is a fine track for a dawn patrol, or just when you feel like moving. Very cool!

Blast Off dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Blast Off" is big and fast and dangerous. Melodically, it reminds me a bit of The Torpedoes, only less frantic. There's a ton of energy and glorious surf tone, and those tom toms rolling out the thunder! Whew!

Temptress dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Moving in a sinewy easy flow, "Temptress" is surely that. Great drums, moody bass, and island whammy chords, separated by dribbling glissandos and a lovely melody. This is a really fine song.

Monster Beach Party dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Faster than lumbering, yet that's the feeling communicated as "Monster Beach Party" ensues. The melody is very good, and the chunky patterns work very well. Some very cool whammy chords and sparkling tone complete the soundscape.

Dead Drop dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Dead Drop" sports muted reverb second guitar, but snare drums, bass thunder, and a dangerous melody. Rhythmic and powerful, adventurous and risky, with gray-green surf swirling against the rocks. very cool track!

Sex Wax dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Great whammy chords, a simple riff, and excellent bass melody, along with crisp drums deliver "Sex Wax" with attitude and slither.

Lament dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Long chords run out like receding shorebreak in a peaceful lagoon. The delicate melody is very sad and liquid. "Lament" is a lovely solo guitar pean to a lost soul. Very pretty, and it reached right into your heart.

Sidejack
Surf (Instrumental)

"Sidejack" is fast and riffy, with big whammy chords, double picked power, and dark tone. While it's more riff than ,melody, it sure does grab you. This is almost like a lost Torpedoes song. Very fun.

Rollin Ten dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Rollin Ten" doesn't let go of the reigns until it's over. Big, intense, aggressive, and full of splash. It's way more riffy than melodic, but it doesn't seem to matter at all. Hot number!

Sunset dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Silky island sunsets and swaying palms permeate the imagery as "Sunset" rolls out. Pretty and easy, yet loud. It soothes and caresses, but doesn't let you rest.

Hidden Track dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

OK, this is just what it seems... There is significant silence before this slow, deep guitar solo arrives. Pleasant, and kind of haunted.