Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This CD-R contains what is perhaps the most original instro surf hybrid I've heard in quite a while. Germany's Tiki-Tiki Bamboooos employ trad sounds and a blend of exotic influences. They do not rage or pummel. They use technique, rich tone, original arrangements, and excellent playing to craft surf instros like no other band. 11 instros and two vocals, "Everybody Says 'He The One'" and "Yeah!! from Miyaji." I assume this will soon become a release. Highly recommended!

Picks: Intro, Converse, Exotica, Bamboooo Beach, Jumpin' Hula Flash, Stop and Go, U-Ha, Tsunami Roll, Misalu, Go Tiki Go !!, Iloha

Surf (Instrumental)

A long slow gong and an oriental guitar run dramatically gives way to island whammy chords, eventually introducing the album. It may be under a minute, but it's quite nice and very effective.

Surf (Instrumental)

This melody is not just surfable, it's also quite unusual. Elements of Japanese music and trad surf together with chunky chords portray a deliberate and big surf sound. Quite tasteful.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very reverby and reverent cover of the early Dave Myers and the Surftones' arrangement of Bruce Morgan's "Exotic." Tiki-Tiki Bamboooos replace the dry brashness of the Myers version with restrained wet reverb. It makes for quite a fine arrangement.

Surf (Vocal)

Sinewy reverbed island guitar slithers through a beautiful minute-plus introduction before launching into a richly intriguing and playful song that hints at "(All Day, All Night) Mary Ann" and island breezes. "Bamboooo Beach" has the bounce of "Sunset Beach" and the structure of a Sandals tune. Very cool track!

Surf (Instrumental)

Tribal drums and a liquid sensual bass line provide an undulating platform for great damped surf guitar, which plays a bluesy thing influenced by Bo Diddley's "Hush Your Mouth" filtered through Dick Dale's "Surfin' Drums." The tribal suave of this track is irresistible, as is the sparkling guitar. Brilliantly cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Stop and Go" is structured like a sixties trad instro, with a basic riff that's taken through its paces. This is a great crunchy surf track in the progression arena, with a rich and wonderful attraction. Fine drums and bass, and Bassman big guitar. Lush reverb and a party atmosphere! The bridge borrows inspiration from "Beat '65," among others, in some places. Quite a handful. Very effective, rhythmic, and tribally cool.

Surf (Instrumental)

Talk about tropical suave! "U-Ha" sports exotic percussion and a sparkling guitar. Great tone, tuff reverb, playful licks, and an 'Ooo Ahhh' chorus. very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

Structured somewhat like a nineties Dick Dale instro, the big guitar charm and power trio combo are very effective. Whammy chords, round tone, and a rich mixture of percussion, smooth bass, and reverb. "Tsunami Roll" has all the simple tribal attraction of early surf, and the exotic lushness of modern tracks. The line from Hendrix' "Third Stone" is pretty cool too. Outstanding.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is an amazing reincarnation of "Miserlou," filtered through the tiki bar, exotically smooth and sinewy. Perhaps the most original arrangement since Gallon Drunk or King Loser. The more I listen to this track, the better I like it. Liquid emotion pours from every silken note! Remarkable!

Surf (Instrumental)

Big whammy chords, tuff percussion, rich wow-wow chords... this is quite an original track. Not melodic, but totally unique without being tweaky or gimmicky. Completely satisfying. Wow wow!

Surf (Instrumental)

This is mighty close to being based on "Aloha Oai." Slow and Polynesian silky, with great tone and island beauty. A very suave way to end the CD.