Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The SpyTones - Dead Note Theory
 | Not really surf, but very fine spy-space and spaghetti western tinged rock instro. There is a lot here to digest. I found the spaghetti western influenced track to be the most compelling (second half of the CD), but the whole thing is very well done. |
Picks: Dead Note Theory, Only Time Will Kill You, Gulak, Le Saboteur, Vendetta, Sicilian, Astropolis IV, 4th Dimension, Mr. Meeks Diary, Tokyo Express, Arabesque, Dominica 67, Persona Non Grata
Track by Track Review
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Heavy drum throb and dissonant guitar tweakery open this modern rock assault. Big and dangerous, and adventurous, with serious grit.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Drama and long spy tones haunt the night. "Only Time Will Kill You" is particularly well written, with excellent arranging and some almost howling guitar torture. Very cool!
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
A great beat and spy twang create a unique experience. "Gulak" is infectious and punchy, with orchestral keys here and there. Some brilliant moments!
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Very cool tribal drums and noises, haunted keys and spooky edges. "Le Saboteur" is much more than spy - it's jungle and drama and spatial. The infectious beat really keeps you hooked in.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
"Vendetta" is a dramatic track with bell-like sound and tremolo danger. It has a haunted sound that's compelling, much like a film score under the end credits.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Sad violins play lushly under delicate guitar, just slightly reminiscent of David LaFlamme. Very cinematic, with a sophisticated air about it. Quite cool!
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Tremolo shimmer and eery space imagery ooze from "Astropolis IV." Layered with the affect of desolation . The wash of delays and reverb create a dream haze.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Long dark keyboard grind under vibraphone-keys and haunting ambiance. This very eerie song has a film score feeling to it.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
With a sort of Stax-Volt soul turned spy sound, perhaps reminiscent of The Mutants. Chop-wah-wah guitar and funky guitar.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Awash in tremolo ambiance, with glissandos in tow and espionage organ, "Mr. Meeks Diary" is a well written piece with dramatic chorus and a bit of spaghetti thrown in. Funny, but I didn't like this at first, but it grew on me as I wrote.
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Great drums and Asian themes. "Tokyo Express" has a fluid nature with exotic stereo types used with art and respect. This is a brilliant track!
Spy Rock (Instrumental)
Henry Mancini's "Arabesque" is done with originality and respect. A slightly disturbed contrast between rhythm track and lead add mystery. Very well done!
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Slow and haunting, "Dominica 67" has a spaghetti western feel to it, in part through its ambiance and spatial sense. Theremin warbles add eeriness. Compelling and pretty in a desert danger sort of way.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Almost military drum and spatial keys, with subtly galloping rhythms suggesting the desert in a spaghetti western. Extremely appropriate guitar tone delivers a fine melody. The drama builds as "Persona Non Grata" unfolds.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Harmonica and acoustic guitar slowly play out in a sad soundscape. Much more about the mood than the song.