Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Surfin' Gorillas - The Return Of...
 | The Surfin' Gorillas go down the path of mid-fi garage surf, with bass on the right and highs on the left, garagy distortion, and edge reminiscent of a smoother version of the Milkshakes surf sessions. |
Picks: Bat Man, Misirlou, Save The Waves (Mysteron's Revenge), Rumble, Jack The Ripper, Banzai Washout, Ace Of Spades, Lowdown, Cafe Exotica
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
As goofy as Neil Hefty's "Bat Man" is, the Surfin' Gorillas are able to make it fun and engaging. Samples and that relentless riff make for unpretentious coolness.
Surf (Instrumental)
The rhythm is the thing as the Surfin' Gorillas tackle "Misirlou." Based on the Dick Dale and his Del-tones single arrangement, this is gutty, but less edgy.
Save The Waves (Mysteron's Revenge) Surf (Instrumental)
Well, now, finally someone covers Canada's Surfdusters! "Save The Waves (Mysteron's Revenge)" is very nicely done, with big twang and tribal drums, as well as the rolling riffage that the Surfdusters' write so well.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a moderately edgy version of Link Wray's signature song. It's relentless progression toward the danger down the ally is well defined.
Surf (Instrumental)
The extreme danger and drama of Link Wray's "Jack The Ripper" is well developed and darkly throbbing. Powerful and primitive, like a field recording in the backwoods where Link's sound evolved. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
I can't say that I've heard a more garagy cover of Steve Douglas's grand excursion "Banzai Washout." Tuff and aggressive with hard edges and big chords, and great drum work.
Surf (Instrumental)
Another Link Wray exercise in danger, "Ace Of Spades" has long been ripe fodder for the British garage bands. Heavy and jagged, it rips and charms, and portrays darkness ahead.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Champs' cool "Lowdown" gets a back ally treatment, and wit the added horns, retains a vintage feeling. Very nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
This groovy jazz-beat number is Clive Osborne's tribute to the beat generation, I think. Simple and bongo-cool.