Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This disc is recorded live in the studio, and captures the reality of the band. The Phantom Riders focus on mid tempo basic melodies in a way that keeps them interesting and satisfying. Just three covers amid a dozen solid instros. |
Picks: The Black Widow, Night Crawler, Swamp Gas, The Long Ride, Breakneck Boogie, Shadowchaser, The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt, New Surf, Shake-N-Stomp, The Stinger, Insomniac, Billies Bounce
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Black Widow" is turned from Link Wray's twangster into a reverb-twang riff rocker. This is a rich presentation of class Link riff rock. Nice and solid.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is quite a suave number, in mid tempo soul groove with rich guitar tone and an undulating relaxed gate. The break is soft and glassy, while the main song is big and twangy.
Rock (Instrumental)
Feedback and tom toms opens this grodie riff dominated grinder. The sound is like a cleaner version of Robert Johnson and Punchdrunks. Punchy and full-bodied, "Swamp Gas" is a solid combo rocker.
Rock (Instrumental)
The opening bass line hints of "Baby Elephant Walk," while the rock guitar's sustain yells Link Wray. Lumbering and grumbly, it must be a "The Long Ride" on a dark and menacing tube, 'cuz its not in any mood to present a glassy face. Cool track.
Rockabilly (Instrumental)
"Breakneck Boogie" is a classic fifties rockabilly boogie with a tuff edge and dark mood. Fun, but on the brooding side.
Rockabilly (Instrumental)
Somewhere near the Los Straitjackets camp, a couple of octaves down, with added grumble and jazzy flurries, "Shadowchaser'" guitar seems to grind above great drums and solid bass. Interesting.
The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt 
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a groovy and nearly suave presentation of the Shadows' "The Rise and Fall Of Flingel Bunt." Not adventurous or reinvented, but it fits really well into the Phantom Riders' general territory. The gate and undercurrent of cool is well placed.
Surf (Instrumental)
With a bridge that cries "stronger than dirt," this melodic and fluid piece is perhaps the coolest and most endearing of al l the tracks here. Rich and playful, tuff and groovy, with beautiful breaks.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a solid rockin' performance of Dick Dale and his Del-tones' early riff surf chunkster "Shake N' Stomp." It's way less chunky and power driven, and sports a saucy sub-jazz break that's quite a change. The more refined arrangement is quite appealing. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Like a rock-edge inversion of "Banzai Pipeline," "The Stinger" is a fast and riff rockin' garage instro with charm and power. Very cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
Delicate almost Spanish guitar opens "Insomniac," which slowly drips mood and distant danger. The inside of your eyelids come into view as dreamland eludes you once again. This is fluid and very pleasant.
Surf (Instrumental)
Charlie Parker's "Billies Bounce" is an unlisted track. It's jazzy and jammy, and ambiently captured. Lots of spirit and drums that hint of Cozy Cole's classic beat. Sophisticated and emotional, like cats in tux and tails rockin' their socks off.