Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Los Twangs - Quienes Son Los Twangs?


 | 8 of the 12 tracks on this CD are instros. They span the valley between surf and rockabilly, some more one than the other. There are a couple of really fine numbers, and all of them are solid. |
Picks: Surfin' Tsunami, Caravan, Go Go Karateka, Rumble, Let's Go, Twanguska, El Vengador, Scalped
Track by Track Review
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
Echoed rompin' fun launches "Surfin' Tsunami," which is generally in the style of fifties riff b-sides, but with much more energy than many of those. Pretty fun track.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
This is an entirely new configuration of "Caravan" with original rhythm section work, rockin' sax beaks, and echoed rockabilly guitar leads. It has a genuine fifties rock'n'roll air about it, and is respectful to the energy and emotional intent of Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington. Very cool!
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
"Go Go Karateka" is much more surf than rockabilly, but has elements of both surf and early rock. Splashy and pumpin' fun, with a solid spread of sound. There's an element of grin here, as well as a saucy underbelly.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
Link Wray and his Raymen's most dangerous song is done with a little less menace and a little more lurid emotion. The sax lines and tone create a smoky bar from the fifties image that's very clear. Nice version.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
The Routers' cheer leader instro in done with reverence for the prancing game-distractions, but with updated edgy guitar tone. It work really well, and likely rouses up the crowd live.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
On the modern side aurally, "Twanguska" has a familiar feel via its shouts of "hay" and the slightly Eastern European melody. Perhaps it's a transmutation of something, I don't know. Either way, it's a fine track with flair and a catchy melody and rhythm.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
I like "El Vengador" a lot. Ever since I downloaded it from their site, I found it compelling. Surf, spaghetti western, mysterious strangers, and a magnetic melody. Rhythmic, smooth, fluid, and great for an open road journey in your roadster.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
Dick Dale's "Scalped" is not melodic to begin with, but somehow Los Twangs seem to keep it from going off track, probably because of the muted second guitar and sax, with add depth and a sense of breadth to the song.