Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Red Planets - Chases Lead To Crashes
 | The atmospheric sound of this album is nothing like I expected from the artwork. Often suited for film scores, it's sometimes compelling, mostly well produced, but occasionally just enjoyable without being very interesting. I had mixed interest with some very cool bright spots, most notably "The Birdbee's Revenge." |
Picks: Chases Lead To Crashes, The Birdbee's Revenge, Tolling For Whom, At It Again, The Big Churn, Get Thee Behind Me, Between The Spaces, Hey Ya!
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Go-go spy instro sounds portray a suave adventure in espionage. It's a really fun track with a spy organ and rhythm section, and excellent production.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is one moody track. Spectacular ambiance and imagery, and a bit of a psychedelic underbelly. Spooky, ethereal, and spacy.
Surf (Instrumental)
Mid tempo, tremolo shimmered, and on the sad side, Toiling From Whom trembles as it sets a stage, but it's way more a scene than a song, with a melody riff that's soothing, and blue production values. The arrangement is interesting in its use of bells and haunting tone.
Surf (Instrumental)
Here we have a fairly typical AABA instro structure, and it has fewer changes in texture and arrangement than is really necessary to maintain interest. That said, it's very nicely played and sports a surf beat.
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow moving in a wash of tremolo shimmer, this song is very cinematic. Its portrayal of a sad departure is rather stark. Pretty, but depressing.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Big Churn is a fine track, with a very good melody line and string tempo. Its more surf than most here, with reverb provided as much in the wash as directly applied to the lead. The swirly Leslie is charming at times, but is sometimes overbearing in the mix.
Surf (Instrumental)
This song is moody and atmospheric, with a cinematic feel. Sometimes reminiscent of sixties pop-psych-space rock, but less compressed and punchy. It's an interesting song.
Surf (Instrumental)
Bouncy and playful, but in a moody-toned way. Cooled down, with lovely tone and a catchy sound. This is a very well done pop song with no worries. Hard not to like!
Swooning Surf (Instrumental)
Well, I can't say that this swoons. I think this is easily the least interesting track on the album. Seems much more like a backdrop than a song. I'll pass.
Surf (Instrumental)
Shimmering tremolo, slow moving imagery, but not as tired as its title would suggest. Kind of pretty, but not really memorable.
Having What You're Having Surf (Instrumental)
Echoed and misty, and very dependent on patterns, with slithery slide guitar. The song is more atmospheric than particularly memorable.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is an upbeat track that almost prances in a slightly sad way. Cool enough, even very enjoyable, but it didn't bring me back for a second round until the break, where it takes on much more character.