Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Surfpatrouille - Instronaut
 | I don't know how they do it, but Surfpatrouille continues to build more drama and bigger sound into their CD's. Many of the songs seem cool enough when they begin, but as the arrangement builds, they totally engage you. Excellent release! |
Picks: Bestblocker, Eskalator, Aquarnaut, Instronaut, Inspector M, Skarrera, It's Not Unusual, Planet von Wasser, Bedford Rumble, Arrabiata, Melodie fur die Angst, Wella, Sliced Soulbrothers, Taigabeat, Master and Servant (Geronto Mix 2005), El Mexicano Triste
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Bestblocker" is an aggressive, fairly heavy rock instro with splash and glissandos. The transitions are interesting, and the melody line very effective. Quite powerful.
Surf (Instrumental)
Tribal drums and a Euro-style melody suggest spies and adventure. The glissandos and double picked second guitar add surf and Mediterranean panache. Big and loud.
Surf (Instrumental)
With espionage in mind, "Aquarnaut" commands and threatens in a smooth and powerful way. The arrangement is very well developed. It's a dominating song with an engaging sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
The title track is a slightly moody piece with a disquieting structure. By that I mean it has an uncomfortable emotional edge while being slightly lurid. Quite an interesting effect.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Inspector M" is a dangerous and demented piece with a large and thick sound. Dial "M" for Music. Tribal drums and big drama, and nerve tweaking relentlessness. For a simple piece of music, it's very disturbing and engaging.
Surf (Instrumental)
Double picked stereo guitars prance over a ska beat. "Skarrera" is really fun and playful. The melody line is simple, as a ska surf instro would have it. Hand claps and lots of spunk.
Surf (Instrumental)
Tom Jones' powerful pop song "It's Not Unusual" is really quite nice here. It's more than just the grin it brings, with a solid arrangements and enjoyable performance. Too fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
the surf laps the shore, telling tales of a planet of water. Great tribal drums, smooth bass, and island guitars set a vacation mood. "Planet von Wasser" is just lovely.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dangerous and thick, "Bedford Rumble" is a riff rocker with attitude and glissandos. The melody is spy influenced, and the the energy quite solid. It grows on you.
Surf (Instrumental)
The mystery and danger of the desert is alive in "Arrabiata." Dark and hard-edged, with a foreboding sound warning you not to let your guard down. Thick and heavy, and intensely dangerous.
Surf (Instrumental)
This spy song keeps you looking over your shoulder despite it's deceptively light arrangement. The haunting melody is countered by a circulating muted guitar pattern that implies danger. Dramatic and moody.
Surf (Instrumental)
On the happy go lucky side of the aisle lies "Wella," a song that almost laughs as it travels down that fabled coast highway. This is a splendid and very enjoyable track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The organ wails beneath thickly textured splash and grind. "Sliced Soulbrothers" is loud and infectious in a post go-go kind of way. It slowly creeps up on you, making you like whether you want to or not.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Taigabeat" is a rapid number with big drums and dark double picked guitar. Bass thunder and a great beat, and relentless guitar energy. You might by drawn in by the energy alone, but soon the song itself will take control.
Master and Servant (Geronto Mix 2005) Surf (Instrumental)
A kind of "club mix" treatment of a tribal beat and spy melody track. Spooky and big, with engaging sound and arranging. Like many others here, you will like it more as it progresses. The big glissandos are cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a dark and tribal song, slowly poured out like a Link Wray threatener. Very dangerous and imposing. The whammy guitar adds ominous sting to an already dominating track. Wonderful!