Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This fine ambient recording by Jay Hector captures much of the live energy of one of the hottest modern surf bands, the Space Cossacks. They are a fine band, and the intensity of their sound is immense. See 'em if you can.

Picks: Red Sunrise, Solaris Stomp, War of the Satellites, Metsakukkia, Black Sand, Escape from Gulag 17, The Cossack, The Spy Satellite, Gunmetal Express, Shark Attack, The Space Victory Theme, Mir Rescue, Third Star To The Left, The Cossack Rocket Patrol, The Savage, Bittersweet Samba, Moroccan Adventures, Transatlantic Orbit, Neutron Sabre, Bombora, Planet of the Apes

Depression Fluff (Instrumental)

This is a masterpiece of morphology, from the gloomy mindset of Joy Division to the froth of supermarket swill with surf tones and impossible Lawrence Welk-isms.

Billboard Fluff (Instrumental)

Commercial pomp gone awry, and they seem serious. Think Billy Vaughn doing "Mr. Moto." Yikes.

Surf (Instrumental)

Live, this is better than the CD version, or the Ventures hokey version of this Danny Hamilton tune, but then that's not tough to do. Aside from being a dumb gimmicky tune, this is hotly played and arranged. I just don't like this tune.

Lounge Lizard Suave (Instrumental)

Like an interpretation of west coast jazz from the pages of Beachwear Daily, comes this unbelievable bit of vibes laden fluff. It is the inverse of reality, mirrored by the rubber room. Swimming and MOR exotica cute.

Dinner Music (Instrumental)

Yup, the hits just keep on comin'. There's no shortage of piano bar thinking as they romp through this delightful dinner music.

Theater Snack (Instrumental)

This is surprisingly close to the Hot Butter rendition, only more so... maybe like a frothy "Miss You" (Rolling Stones) played at the laundromat. Jeepers!

Pulchritudinal Viewing (Instrumental)

When this appeared in the television commercial, it tantalized. When the T-Bones did this, it sucked. Now, it wreaks of CTI jazz on the verandah while the snobs hob knob in a credibility free zone.

Surf (Instrumental)

A slow slightly sad Danny Hamilton melody, shimmering sounds, and a very cohesive performance, with twinges of conquistadors, give this a stalking and somewhat ominous edge, and create an espionage atmosphere.

Cool Pop (Instrumental)

Whining guitar slides, and a spirited, almost credible arrangement, and hinting of the hits gone by we all love to hate. Actually, this is among the better tracks, more surfable, though only in that sidestep Ventures way.

Retirement Rock (Instrumental)

Inspired by a mustached interlude and a carafe of house red, this floats along looking for a sane way out. There isn't one.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is really cool, sorta like a middle eastern "Solaris Stomp," but not really. It has marvelous rhythms, and splendid guitar tones. Mighty infectious, and totally cool. These guys understand the power of changes in instros, and the power of fills and accents. This is a fine and unusual track.

Surf (Instrumental)

Frothy and friendly, this is a pleasant diversion from the other tracks here, It demonstrates the versatility of this band. The rich textures and exquisite playing show just how powerfully good writing and performance can take a relatively MOR structure and make it truly magnetic.

Surf (Instrumental)

This cover of the amazing Nocturnes' early space epic inspired by "Journey To The Stars" goes beyond the original in zest.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Meadowlands," under any name remains a fine melody. The Space Cossacks give it their signature sound, with fine double picking and splendid tones.

Surf (Instrumental)

A variation on the Atlantics interpretations of the Shadows. That's a mouthful, but I think it describes well what has been done with this track, using the Australian edge on an English band's version of a strong tune. Smooth and energetic, but not very dynamic. Solid and interesting.

Surf (Instrumental)

Herb Alpert's "Bittersweet Samba" never sounded so inviting. This is utterly enjoyable, with unusual rhythms and spicy guitar licks. You can just imagine the trumpets, but alas you're spared the experience. Melodic and fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

Light plucky percussive damped reverbed rhythms, middle eastern spices, emotional tremolo, and fluid sounds make this a particularly nice mood piece.

Surf (Instrumental)

Very Atlantics sounding, right down to the lead guitar delay, but with a smoother more surfy feel. Really nice tribute to a relatively unknown (in the U. S.) Australian band of a bygone era. The writing is very good. The sense of melody is is all important in instros, and the strength of the melody writing in this band is clearly demonstrated here, and throughout this CD.

Surf (Instrumental)

Intense lead guitar twang! The guitar tone owns you. This is as good as "Solaris Stomp." A bit of the Spanish influence, and off-the-scale infectiometer readings. Very rich tone.

Surf (Instrumental)

An Atlantics cover, one of their thrashiest tunes. Very intense and hyper-rhythmic. The lead guitar tone is right on the money! The damped chops are too cool, as are the intense stinging licks!

Surf (Instrumental)

Power double picking and slaughterhouse energy create a demarcation line between this and other dark surf rants. It's very strong and dramatic.