Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

After entirely too long an absence, Splashback returned to KFJC on September 7, 2002 for an incredibly cool performance.

Picks: Bennett Cerf, Name Of Numbers, Firewater, Wavechaser, Surf Blaster, The Cove, Tequila, Hot Curl, Free Fall, First Wave, Beyond The Blue, The Moonlight Surfer, Floating, Nite Creatures, IÕm Branded, Mrs. Moto, Shakedown, Rebel Rouser / Ramrod / Forty Miles Of Bad Road, Treasure Island, Wild n' Wendy, Killer Dana, Midnight Run / Mr. Moto

Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet's coolest instros. Splashback surf it up and chunk it out for a rhythmic and fluid rendering. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Name Of Numbers" evolves right out of "Bennett Cerf" with crunchy rhythms in reverence to Man Or Astro-MAN?'s song.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Astronauts' "Firewater" is well suited for Splashback's venerable trad style. It's hard to imaging that Jimmy Haskell wrote it, given his usual fare. It's roundly and firmly delivered with plenty of punch and suaveté.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Wavechaser" has a really nice melody. It's a warm and infectious tune, with joy peaking out from the rich notes.

Surf (Instrumental)

One of writer Bill Epps' strengths is his ability to create a delicate and yet powerful riff perfect for dribbling glissandoes. This is a fine performance for sure!

Surf (Instrumental)

Splashback have to be the only band on earth to cover the Dialtones' "The Cove!" Where the original is on the demo side, this is smooth and gloriously reverby. This band's exceptional playing makes a simple riff oriented surf tune into a rhythmic crowd pleaser. Excellent!

Surf (Instrumental)

The Champs' "Tequila" is liquefied and rounded at the corners. There are few bands that have done anything as nice with this song. Very smooth.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Hot Curl" is a smooth and powerful instro with real surfable credentials. roots and modern sounds. Dana Vincent's writing on this track is reminiscent of Paul Johnson's work with the Packards is some ways, yet is uniquely Splashback. Great track!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Free Fall" was written by Richard Podolor and cut by his studio band the Devons. It's been a fave for a very long time. So, when I saw it on the set list for this performance, my hopes were high. I was not disappointed. This is more than reverent, it's magnificent! Pristine playing, a fine mix, and that liquid Bill Epps lead compliment the song well.

Surf (Instrumental)

The rolling second guitar lines are so very cool under this sparkling melody. It's excited yet peaceful. Reverence for the genre is complimented by future surf sounds. Dana Vincent's "First Wave" has been in their set forever, and it never gets old.

Surf (Instrumental)

This beautiful Bill Epps tune is Spanish flavored with a tropical breeze. It drifts on a lazy lagoon in the warm sun. Very pretty.

Surf (Instrumental)

"The Moonlight Surfer" was originally issued by the Deadly Ones. From that studio band's arrangement of Ray Whitley's song, Splashback has taken it into their full-bodied sound. It's an excellent song, and they have given it a very cool new life.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Floating" is a Laika and the Cosmonauts song, reborn in a fuller surf arrangement. Rich and very cool, with a chunky reverb rhythm and tasteful island whammy.

Surf (Instrumental)

Riff rockin' from a surf platform, this is a fine instro with a strong almost Duane Eddy-ish melody line. Tuff and reverb laden.

Surf (Instrumental)

Link Wray chord chunker "IÕm Branded" is face-lifted with a more melody centric arrangement and "Rumble" used as a bridge. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Mrs. Moto" is a most unusual surf tune, with a punchy intro and big round tone. Always great to hear it.

Surf (Instrumental)

A heavy dirty rhythm under a simple melody line that's very pleasing on the ear. The interplay between the lead and rhythm are excellent here, and the changes work well too.

Surf (Instrumental)

Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser" is beautifully played. It segues into a fiery performance of Al Casey's "Ramrod" before landing softly in a liquid treatment of "Forty Miles Of Bad Road." Very smooth and powerful.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Treasure Island" is a new song, with a warm melody line and welcoming arrangement. Pure summer day surf.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a melodic and happy tune, with a surfy melody. The title might suggest John D. Loudermilk's "Windy and Warm," but it's nothing like it. Excellent fun and a solid performance.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Chantays' "Killer Dana" is a fitting vehicle for Splashback. It's structure is not unlike some of their songs, and their sound is a great match for the song! This always brings a grin just from thinking about Dana Vincent and the title.

Surf (Instrumental)

Splashback closed out their set with a merger of Richard Burns' "Midnight Run" and Paul Johnson's "Mr. Moto." It's a spectacular joining, with "Mr. Moto" transitioned into most wonderfully from "Midnight Run."