Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Vegas Beach - Share The Sand
 | This is the second CD from Vegas Beach. It continues down a path they have created, part aquatic, part sensual, layered sound, and very moody songs. |
Picks: Hip Deep, Gathering Clouds, Yucatan, Lonesome Monkey, Diamonds And Swamp, Mexican Pipeline, Fat Bob, Hemi Hands, Greenbelt Monsoon, Sunburnt Finish, Blue Oyster Beach, Snakeskin Speedo
Track by Track Review
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
"Hip Deep" is an intriguing song with a thick and fluid sound. Aquatic and desert inspired, with a kind of progressive structure. Riff driven like most surf, but delivered through a smooth rock format. Quite nice.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Slow and dramatic and somewhat sad, "Gathering Clouds" is nicely layered with bass, drums, and multiple guitar parts. Moody and a bit spatial, with a big sound. The sustained fuzz lines are eerie.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
With a kind of psycho-froth feeling, "Yucatan" presents a misty and sullen sound that's both visual and engaging. The soundscape is moody and almost rainy.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
With a serious and artistic feeling, "Lonesome Monkey" evolves through thick layering from relentless to circular and engaging. I like the way it pulls you in without complexity.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Semi-soft and picturesque, with dramatic drums and swirling sound, "Diamonds And Swamp" is a thick wash of sound and emotion. It seems more of a soundscape than a song per say, yet seems to satisfy.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Mysterious imagery and a sense of sadness permeate the opening lines of "Mexican Pipeline." As it evolves, the sadness becomes clearer, as if it is the basis for cautious optimism. I found this to be a compelling track, full of gradually building drama and power.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Slowly circulating through a gently flowing set of riffs, "Fat Bob" seems to just float along, gradually building and declining. I don't know who Fat Bob is, but this is his song.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Like a slow moving and sultry bootlegger epic, there's a sense of the back roads that coexists with the urban darkness of "Hemi Hands." This is quite thick.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
"Greenbelt Monsoon" is a slow moving soundscape that calls up images of tropical rain and warm breezes. Sullen and moody, yet very soothing.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Looking down while picking out a melody, the title came clear. I don't know if that's how it happened, but "Sunburnt Finish" seems like that kind of exercise. Circulating lines intersected by big drama.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
A flowing and gently circulating melody is presented in a thick wash of guitars and bass and drums. It seems like the sand is breathing. So is "Blue Oyster Beach" home to the Blue Oyster Cult? Sorry, I couldn't resist asking!
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
I'm not sure that "Snakeskin Speedo" is an image I'm ready for. That aside, the song sports big drums and a friendly rhythm. Moody and bluesy, yet layered and thick with tonality.