Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Route 66 Killers play a unique brand of cautiously optimistic music that occasionally verges on depressing, yet always fascinates and entertains. They write very good instrumentals with solid melodies. They have learned their three R's, playing with restraint, resignation and reverb. Both bands are highly original.

Picks: Ballade Of The Headless Horseman, Dia De Los Muertos, Murder On Beaver Street, The Jabervock, Monsterbation, El Conquistador, Baba Yaga, The Mummy's Curse, Ghoul Tango, Shallow Grave, Masque Of The Red Death, Tale Of The Drunken Prospector, The Bandito, Death, Death, Death, The Devil's Martini

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fine instro with a bit of a European flair, or maybe spaghetti western. Pure surf sound wise, "Ballade Of The Headless Horseman" is an interesting mid tempo tune with a catchy if slightly gloomy melody. A bit cowboy, rhythmic and delicate, with glissandoes and ringing chords. The melody is a bit Spanish, surf rich, and very effective out front. Slightly sad, cool and restrained. A very nice track.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

Some Spanish influences, some classic surfisms, a bit of drama, and a sense of adventure come together in this instro. Double picked flurries and castanets. Very cool. "Dia De Los Muertos" ("Day Of The Dead") has been used for three very different intros, the other two being from the Civil Tones and the Magnetic IV.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

This mid tempo track is catchy like Dick Dale's "The Victor" is, but it's also more melodic and less intense. "Murder On Beaver Street" is an amazing piece of work, original and intriguing.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

Verging on optimistic, "The Jabervock" is cautious like a rider on an uncertain swell. Some drama, some guitar interplay (twin leads in essence), and lots of double picked reverbed coolness. A fine original track.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

A little like a Mark Brodie song, "Monsterbation" sports an interesting melody structure and similar restrained optimism. Tribal, a little dangerous, and rhythmic. Rhythmic and optimistic, delicate and 'verby. Tribal drums and long shallow whammy chords in the break.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

A slowly evolving melody line and dramatic ringing Spanish chords eventually give way to faster track with a circular riff and dual guitar lines. Rich double picking against chords and a thumping beat. This is not the Chantays' song.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

A mid tempo song with some chunk and some Spanish adventure. Moody yet a little forward looking, "Baba Yaga" has a fine melody line and interesting arrangement. Nice track!

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

Slow shimmering vibrato sadly brings the wrapped one back from dust. A fine Middle eastern melody is double picked delicately in this moody song. Ringing chords, misty nights, a few Spanish riffs, and we're back to the oasis. A very cool song!

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

"Ghoul Tango" is on the sad side, but also has a the sense of pressing on that so many Eastern European folk melodies have. Resignation to that inevitable killer wave that's appearing on the horizon outside. Excellent!

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

Moody and swimming in long whammy chords, "Shallow Grave" also seems to have a get through it underbelly. The melody line is really quite good.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

"Masque Of The Red Death" is like looking a mayhem on the screen - it's detached from the real horror it portrays. This is a mysterious and rich surf song with lots of low down notes and unfounded optimism.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

the introduction to "Tale Of The Drunken Prospector" is artful feeling with a moody sadness. The song itself sports a cowboy galloping rhythm and sadly playful melody. While it's catchy, it's not uplifting, yet it's not depressing either.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

Spanish Dick Dale runs, a splashy melody, and some heavy double picking - perhaps the harshest track here. Energy and power, with a fine melody. "The Bandito" borders on spectacular.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

This slow moving surf dirge verges on depressing through long slow stereo notes in the intro. The song itself is more Spanish and almost bouncy. A great beat and rhythm runs under a moody and moving melody.

Horror Surf (Instrumental)

"The Devil's Martini" has a great rhythm and melody. It's delicate and pretty, yet powerful. Spanish influences, reverb, double picking, splash chords, and moody tone.