Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Supersonicos - Hola Estatica



 | This is an amazing release. The instros here are full of changes and interesting arrangements, many textures and lots of imagery. The writing is quite good, as is the arranging. Some of these tracks have several sections, each worthy of development as songs on their own. These suite-like songs are both complex and fluid. Not only are there 11 very well crafted and artistic surf instros, but there are 8 unusual vocals, mostly about and effected by robots. "I'm A Robot" is also titled "Soy un Robot," and features a quirky tune with narrated robot vocals lamenting a robot's life. "Corozon Nervoso" is an almost Kraftwerk kinda song played with surf guitar. "Robot Elvis" is a plaintiff garage anthem. "Killing An Arab / Miserlou" is an amazing blend of the Cure's "Killing An Arab" and the surf classic "Miserlou.." "Mika Stomp" is a bleak robot surf romp. I must say this is a really good disc with lots to hold your attention. It's not a trad surf release, nor will it play well to the 1-4-5 crowd, but the craftsmanship and musical content are superb. |
Picks: E-Danger: Low, Colossal, Bikini Chip, Sube, Ballena Shake, Tan Go!, Deadly Mantis, Urquiza The Killer, Pisotron, Bobtron Song, Lonely Guitar
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
A crunchy aggressive drum beat drives "E-Danger: Low" through mine fields of espionage and risk. Guitar textures range from surf to fuzz, with a thick and dramatic layered sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
A melancholy melody played on shimmering guitar in mid tempo in a well arrangement. "Colossal" is a very strong piece of writing, and is a really good track as well. Plenty of changes, rich tone, and a mysterious edge.
Surf (Instrumental)
Following a sample intro, this eerie automaton anthem sports disturbing technology and an a strange riff. "Bikini Chip" looks forward to a bleak machine future and back to a fluid surf past. It's a very interesting blend of technology and the seam
Surf (Instrumental)
Double picked grodie guitar under a suppressed fluid melody, contrasting the ominous rhythm with an optimistic lead. Surf and adventure, future shock and tubular joy... "Sube" is a fine track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Orca calls and shimmering thunder, a spatial sound, and a melody line that calls to you. Layered and full. "Ballena Shake" translates to "Whale Shake."
Surf (Instrumental)
"Out Of Limits" on the tango floor with a "Similau" kinda structure... it's an interesting blend of influences, with a friendly feel. The lead guitar could be more out front, but the track is very well arranged. The trotting drums in the bridge are very cool. Lots of changes here.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Voraz Mamboreto" a.k.a. "Deadly Mantis" is crunchy and angular, and moves back and forth between fluid and disjointed. Spooky sound and lurking danger.
Surf (Instrumental)
A sinewy bass line and tempting drums under a haunting surf guitar playing a fine melody with island imagery and a sunset romantic lagoon liquid sound. There's danger lurking in the palms just off the beach, and the organ heralds a sad event. "Urquiza The Killer" is a very fine track.
Surf (Vocal)
A strange introduction yields to an aggressive and bouncy low-E surf thrasher with a bunch of power and drama. The electro percussion adds a bridge between the surf and disco nights in a most pleasing way. This is a well crafted piece of music with lots of fire and many changes.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Concion de Bobtron" a.k.a. "Bobtron Song" is a shimmering surf number with a sad and shiny sound and a galloping rhythm. Very unusual and sporting many changes. The midsection melody is strong enough to develop a whole song around. Very pretty melody line, almost like something from the pen of Richard Burns or Richie Podolor.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Lonely Guitar" is as slow and delicate as you might expect. Lovely damped reverb, fluid floating guitar lines, and a soft sad sound.