Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Pavlov's Woody - They Came From Beneath The Surf
 | Always in their own space, Pavlov's Woody have done it again. They Came From Beneath The Surf is a very enjoyable surf CD that's well suited for traveling (plays nicely in the car), and for focused listening as well. Excellent arranging, superb use of piano, and great playing all around. |
Picks: Temptation On The Bounty, Riviera, Green Peppers, Sunset Blvd., Scavengers, Jerk Chicken Dance, Tropical Fever, Firehead And The Soul Brother, San Luis, Led Sled, Harmony Park, Pavlov's Lincoln, Because They're Young
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Bird calls and tropical percussion create an exotic sound that backs up a splendid version of "Temptation." Thoroughly infectious, it's driven by lovely double picked guitar lines and pumping pianos. Splendid!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Riviera" is a light and fun track with a bit of fluff and engaging drums. The stereo leads give it depth and charm. Very nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
An infectious rhythm and beat, great lead guitar work, very cool piano in the classic tradition add up to a very good track with richness and engaging sound. This brings a grin and pleasure for sure. This fine song is from the pen of Sol Lake, who also wrote "The Lonely Bull."
Rock (Instrumental)
Mostly in the pre-go-go cruising vein, "Sunset Blvd." is a fun and bouncy rock instro that must be very cool at parties. It features an uplifting grin inducing riff and structure. Very fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Scavengers" is in the riff progression mold of many of the early surf instros. Its catchy riff is simple and fun, and connects with the listener. Kind of circular, and sporting very cool piano.
Surf (Instrumental)
Very cool guitar licks, some muted reverbed chops, some double picked lightly, and all wonderful. This percussive arrangement sports superb piano and bass and drums, and that guitar is very very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Oh by, is this sensual! Tribal jungle drums slowly sweat out a dangerous beat, the bass plays a low and moody line, and the guitars play a superb melody gently flowing into the mix. If the Squires' The "Swami" was better recorded, it could have sounded like this. Superb!
Firehead And The Soul Brother Rock (Instrumental)
"Firehead And The Soul Brother" is a riff rocker that's charming and bouncy. Its cool rhythm and simplicity give it a country air. Very nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
"San Luis" flows in a very surfy fashion, reminding me of breakers lapping at the rocks when the surf is almost flat. This has a sunny afternoon feeling, with gentle breezes and nowhere to go. Relaxed and fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is all about the rhythm. Layered with textured sounds of guitars and piano, "Led Sled" is not exactly melodic, but the circulating riffs are quite engaging.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is pure modern surf, with a catchy melody line and excellent arrangement. It engages, entertains, and flows. Great drums and surf abound in "Harmony Park," which reminds somewhat of the Pyronauts.
Surf (Instrumental)
Imagine if Marc Bolan had dumped T-Rex in favor of forming a surfband. It would have sounded like this. Really fun and catchy, with a seventies rock sound, sixties surf piano, and big twang. Really cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Duane Eddy's "Because They're Young" is nicely done with organ trading leads with guitar, and light energy. It's a very easy and enjoyable way to close out the disc.