Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Shoot The Pier - Surf Dance
 | I can only say... wow! Surf Dance includes a few tracks previously issued, but most are remixed or remastered to great effect. The new material on this release is rather strong. Shoot The Pier play music that is often on the dark side, always artful, and compelling in a dangerous, dungeonous, pre-psychedelic sort of way. Shoot The Pier are a father-daughter combo - very cool music. Adventurous, dramatic, well developed, and it sure is cool! |
Picks: Moku (Surf Overture), Surf Dance, Triggerfish, Sunrise Girls, The Witches (Of The Rock), Florida Cracker, Walk The Nose, Surfin' To Europa, The Ocean Hypnotic, Las Olas, 'Big Guy's' Beach Hut, In The Shade (At Summer's End)
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Moku (Surf Overture)" begins with a very moody tone and ambiance, evolving into an eerie liquid flow in a grotto. This song has major cinematic drama and visual appeal. It's very original and compelling.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Surf Dance" is all surf. Rhythmic, reverbed, charming, and fun, with Ellie Sims uttering tastefully brief lines. This is a really nice track with an eighties surf feel!
Surf (Instrumental)
On the dark side, "Triggerfish" has a somewhat traditional structure, but with organ and a modern melody line. Aquatic and soothing, with tasteful drums and very supportive bass. Moody glissandos complete the scene.
Surf (Vocal)
Narrative over the top of a deluxe muted surf rhythm with bass glissandos and shimmering sound. "Sunrise Girls" may be a vocal via the story line, but it feels more like an instro with a tale to tell. Ominous and glum, but compelling in the same way that "The Gift" (Velvet Underground) is. Splendid!
The Witches (Of The Rock) Surf (Instrumental)
Reverb and gloom with a melody whose character is not unlike "Long Boards At San Onofre" (Surf Raiders), just darker. Forlorn to the pint of feeling on dim hope -OK, that may be an overstatement, but "The Witches (Of The Rock)" is definitely sad.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Florida Cracker" has a brooding, dramatic sound. Whip-cracks are interlaced in this melancholy track. Lovely, in a forbidden kind of way.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a remix, if not a new take of "Walk The Nose." Gone are the waves, replaced by a much better ambiance. The guitar plays a summer melody and the drums are more prominent. 'Tis a coastal number with an optimistic edge.
Surf (Instrumental)
A countdown to a lift off, some sfx, and then acoustic guitars with organ and very moody bass and drums support a wah-wah adventure. The bend of styles here is very creative, with panoramics well used. In some ways, "Surfin' To Europa" hints of Hawkwind surfing to Aldebaran. Psychedelic surf!
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Ocean Hypnotic" is a spatial and very moody glimpse into the shadowy world of a kelp forest, where the light shimmers and sparkles and the darkness frightens. Amazing!
Surf (Instrumental)
Pretty surf chords and a Spanish melody moodily play out in slow motion. "Las Olas" is haunting and very pretty. Its sound is a little sad, but new dawn optimistic. Very nice! This is remixed to great effect.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big splashy rock chords and great drums support a melody that's a variant of "La Bamba" in places. "'Big Guy's' Beach Hut" is a very fun track with a beach party sound. This remaster, or remix is brighter and much more compelling.
In The Shade (At Summer's End) Surf (Instrumental)
"In The Shade (At Summer's End)" is a very slow and pretty number with a rainy afternoon shimmer and overcast gloominess. Sad, moving, and featuring violin and cello. Excellent.