Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This album is all about The Ventures, more or less. All of the track arrangement are based on The Ventures' arrangements. As a tribute, it sure does wink and nod their way. A nicely done set that boasts consistent sound and skill. It's very clear from the recordings that The Tridents had a good time doing these sessions.

Picks: Baja, Bulldog, Walk Don't Run, Torquay, Diamond Head, Raw-Hide, Perfidia, Penetration, Orange Fire, Lullaby Of The Leaves, Out Of Limits, No Trespassing, Endless Summer

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

With extreme reverence, and a bit of a lighter touch, The Tridents play Lee Hazelwood's classic "Baja." The sound and arrangement hint at Los Angeles eighties revival bands, but with more delicacy. This is a really nice cover.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Bulldog" is done with a modern touch and vintage idea. Much dryer than the The Fireballs' original, this version is a notch above gentle and provides the requisite rhythm and feeling of presurf New Mexico.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' 1960 arrangement is the basis for this cover of one of instrumental rock's most covered songs. A definite retrograde in every respect, "Walk Don't Run" takes you back to the early days of the Pacific Northwest sound.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Fireballs' classic gets a very respectful rendering sans reverb. The dry desert instro magic of this fine song sounds very natural coming from this band.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Danny Hamilton's classic instro done much as The Ventures did it, but without the reverb. Really good meter and synchronicity make "Diamond Head" an easy listen.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Without the raw edge and angular sound, Link Wray and his Raymen's "Raw-Hide" becomes more of a rockin' jam than the original, yet it works quite well. The guitar-drums duet in the break is a very nice original touch.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Alberto Dominguez' classic melody is presented here steeped in the Ventures' tradition. It's less energetic, and maybe a bit slower and more silky, which gives it new flavor.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

A bunch of surf bands used to do "I'm A Hog For You Baby," the flip side of which was "Poison Ivy," which was very popular among the British R&B bands that didn't come across the pond. Not often translated into instrumental form, The Tridents have borrowed from The Ventures version to arrange this. Very nice.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

With more reverb than most tracks on this album, and with surf second guitar in tow, The Pyramids' "Penetration" is based on The Ventures' version from their In Space album. The double picked verse is very nice, as are the gently ringed out chords. gentle, yet very satisfying, and the whammy on the chords is superb. The muted double picked verse literally dribbles. Very cool!

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' "Orange Fire" has not been covered much, maybe only here. Great drums and vintage charm ooze through the textures and style.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This R&B number is done with the v-boys in mind. Easy and smooth, with a gentle rockin' back alley jam feel.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a long way from Jimmy Forest's "Night Train." but not too far from The Ventures. Lovely island chords and slightly jazzy liquid flow.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

It's unusual to hear The Surfaris' "Wipe Out" done with lower energy, but then this is a lot like The Ventures' version. Too much precision and meter are exactly what separates many versions from the raucous original. A bit jammy at times.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Wailers' "Shanghai'd" done the in a much less raw way than the original, yet is very enjoyable.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures first rocked out this Bernice Petiere and Joe Young song. It hasn't been modified much since then, as is the case here. Great drums and tasteful tone all around.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Mike Gordon's stellar little number has been covered a billion times, and always seems to work really well. "Out Of Limits" is played in a restrained fashion, but seems to work well this way.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' "No Trespassing" is often overlooked. The Tridents play it well and retain the feeling and concept of the original.

Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is tonally very different from The Sandals' original. The guitars sound really nice, with the chop chord rhythm adding a new textural edge to this venerable classic. "Endless Summer" will grow on you.