Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Sandgarden - Texican Guitars
 | From the ashes of the Sandblasters comes Mark Stultz cool new project Sandgarden. Acoustic guitars, Texan and Mexican influences, great melodies, and rich textures. This is not surf, but it is a wonderful instrumental album. |
Picks: Ambush, Hayek, Mission Marrakech, Sandgarden, Palomino, El Arroyo, Mayan Sun Dance, Low Plains Drifter, Bolillo, One Man Standing, Sabor, Dune Riders
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Tropical hand drums, acoustic guitars, and the sultry sounds of Central American roots flow from this beautiful song. A very pretty adventure in a gulf fishing village.
Surf (Instrumental)
Rich guitars and a hauntingly beautiful sound, born of folk and traditional forms, but clearly original in every respect. "Hayek" is a wonderful listening experience, full of emotion and warm breezes.
Surf (Instrumental)
Great percussion, a groovy rhythm, exotic themes, and distant adventures call you into "Mission Marrakech." A little dramatic, decidedly lurid, and very pleasing.
Surf (Instrumental)
reminding me a little of Gabor Szabo, the album's title track holds anticipation close to the vest, with drama and sultry mystery. It's a very intriguing track, with more than its share of beauty and mystique.
Surf (Instrumental)
With grace and fluid motion, "Palomino" crosses the horizon at sunset. Maybe a little sad, but looking forward to the next arroyo.
Surf (Instrumental)
"El Arroyo" is a moody and dramatic piece, with a warmth and charm that call to you, while clearly being on the sad side. Splendid!
Surf (Instrumental)
A gorgeous piece of music, with danger and romanticized cultural sounds. "Mayan Sun Dance" has a sense of motion as well as a point in time. Very pretty!
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow and sultry, "Low Plains Drifter" portrays a lonesome figure riding across the cactus sands very slowly upon his pinto. The guitar work is quite beautiful.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Bolillo" is a spirited song with dancers with castanets in view. Very pretty, and very soothing as a lure into the cantina before siesta time.
Surf (Instrumental)
Acoustic Mexican guitars descended from the spaghetti western tradition. "One Man Standing" is a slow and moody piece that conveys the sadness of the "One Man Standing."
Surf (Instrumental)
Circular lines dance around the chords until the playful melody takes command. Slow and a little sad, yet childlike in it's innocence.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Dune Riders" is a splendid song with rich drama and intense emotion. The deep reverb on the bass drum creates an ominous sense, while the wonderful drama of the guitars play a song of distant adventure. Wow!