Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | Wow! Surf-n-Turf is a splendid album of very strong original music. SPF-4 have ventured into very unique territory at times, but they never leave the surf. Great writing and playing - very well done all around. |
Picks: High Head, Sandtwister, Perfect Wave, Seafoam Green, Danger Five-O, The Bitter End, The Cruiser, Surf-n-Turf, Mesa To The Shore, Round'em Up, Life Goes Fast, Seasick
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Muted rhythms and a light hearted melody play out with a kind of island holiday aroma - you know the smell of don't have to go to work outdoors in the summer sun smell. "High Head" certainly conveys that. This is an excellent track!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Sandtwister" comes in on the wind with a sense of adventure. The imagery is of desert expanses, hence the title. Some really nice whammy action, and an endearing arrangement. This is a very nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Lovely chords, tribal drums, very smooth bass, and a superb muted rhythm pattern that evolves into a delightful melody line. It begins with a pleasant grin, but soon enough it's really captured your soul. "Perfect Wave" is just plain grand.
Surf (Instrumental)
Mermen-esq chords launch this haunting song. "Seafoam Green" is simply splendid! Its haunting sound and ambiance is amazingly affective. Beautiful string bending, and a very strong arrangement.
Surf (Instrumental)
The idea here suggestive of "Hawaii Five-0," maybe even derived from it, but it's really not like it. "Danger Five-O" has tuff drums and bass, and significant energy, but is not overpowering like it's namesake. The break and last verse are superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
What I was reminded of when first listening to "The Bitter End" was a bridge between Dire Straits and the exotic beat of J. J. Cale's "Cocaine." This song undulates with sultry energy.
Surf (Instrumental)
There's a lot of energy here, and some fine playing. The drums are very strong. "Parabolic!" seems a little frantic to me, more splash chord than memorable.
Surf (Instrumental)
Police sirens are the harbinger of this song. It's rhythm is rock, and the double picked guitar light, yet "The Cruiser" works pretty well. There are really nice guitar lines and chords, and the drums and bass are excellent.
Surf (Instrumental)
Gritty chords and a tuff dry panned glissando launches the song. "Surf-n-Turf" has a bit of a spaghetti western feel, as well as a coastal image. I like the combination of elements, especially the gentle whammy chords.
Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboy rhythms and shimmering chords, paint a picture of a journey from the desert to the curl. "Mesa To The Shore" is a perfect companion for that drive down the coast as the sun sets. Superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboys with reverb tanks... "Round'em Up" is a splendid track. Its imagery is part western, part surf, and part warm summer air. Superb chords shimmer, and the melody evolve with exquisite chemistry.
Surf (Instrumental)
With a sort of Tony Joe White on a surfboard structure, "Life Goes Fast" travels the swamps and beaches in search of slower times. This is traveling music, and it's very original.
Surf (Instrumental)
Rich muted surf rhythms, great drums and bass, and a relentless double picked industrial lead, followed by a light floating melody make for wonderful transitions. "Seasick" is original and sparkling with serious seas and pleasant afternoons - an odd combination I know, but it sure works!
