Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

After almost a decade trying to get Susan Yasinski into the Pit at KFJC, she finally made it on September 27, 2003. This is the record of that show. It was well worth the wait! Susan likes to alternate covers and originals to keep a comfortable place for the fans. Susan was backed by Avery, Matt, and Dan.

Picks: Pipeline, Stinger 67, Baja, Sunburn, Walk Don't Run, Tiki Kiki, Tequila, Tramp, Rumble, Blue Hammer 99, Penetration, Leopard Spots, Raw Hide, Nina's Empty Glass, Blue Moon, Spanish Wave, My Generation

Surf (Instrumental)

The Chantays' surf archetype "Pipeline" opened the show. Susan's guitar used a blend of aggressive edge and finesse to drive this song home. Giant whammy chords add to the power curve, and the keys add a kind of haunting ambiance. The drums and bass rocked solidly below the classic melody.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Stinger 67" features a fine melody riff and powerful rhythm section. The subtle organ slithers just below the surface like shark occasionally showing its dorsal fin. Way cool live!

Surf (Instrumental)

Susan Yasinski's hard driving sound p[laces this version of Lee Hazelwood's classic "Baja" somewhere between the Packards and Link Wray. The rhythm section support her well here. The low-down and gritty approach and tuff and punchy sound make this a nice departure from the usual cover of the Astronauts hit.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Sunburn" is simple, dramatic, and uplifting song. Powerful, yet jammin' in a moving sorta way. Some cool licks lie within.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Ventures version is toughened up as Susan and the SurfTones make it sound like Link Wray wrote it. A powerful take.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Tiki Kiki" is a particularly cool tune with a solid riff and lots of power, plus a very powerful bridge. The organ floats under the guitar's edge quite effectively. Solid drum work and grumbly bass complete the scene.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Tequila" becomes a thrash epic with huge edge and the splash dampened. The dry aggression and playful keys are matched by rumble and pound from the rhythm section. Passionate and fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Tramp" sports lots of organ and guitar grind in a frat grind format. Solid power, and a riff that commands attention. The balance between the guitar and organ is quite nice.

Surf (Instrumental)

The influence from Link Wray turns into downright worship as Susan and the SurfTones power this fine classic. The whammy chords are too much! Great cover!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Blue Hammer 99" has been a fave for a while. This performance is top notch, and the mix fine too. Moody keys under the edgy lead guitar, and solid grumble from the bass and drums. Big, effective, and very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a solid rendition of the Pyramids' classic. The character is more powerful than the original, but the arrangement is nothing special. Good track, but does not stand out.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Leopard Spots" sports a quirky riff dominated melody that has an interesting character. Intricate fun with this circular song.

Surf (Instrumental)

Link Wray's "Raw Hide" is driven really hard by Susan and the SurfTones. If I had to guess (and I don't), I'd say Susan was heavily influenced by the Linkster! Gritty and powerful.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Nina's Empty Glass" is a very happy song, with warm slides up to joyous chords and a romping rhythm track. The keys are very endearing over Susan's gritty rhythm guitar. This endearing track captures you and won't let go!

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very nice arrangement of the old Marcels hit. Playful and bouncy, and just maybe the best cover of this highly melodic old vocal standard anywhere. An inspired performance.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Spanish Wave" features a Spanish melody line, and plenty of energy. This was the highlight of the performance, in my opinion. Lots of flair and energy, and a very attractive power surge, like Link Wray on the breakers. I love this!

Surf (Instrumental)

Stompin' chompin' grumblin' guitar-organ dueling carries off an interesting cover of the Who's "My Generation." What a way to close the show. Thrash and power, splash and flash!