Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Vibrants - The Exotic Guitar Sounds Of
 | These guys remind me of the Titans in some ways. Vibrant performances with a great surf sound. While it's all in mono, which limits the presentation a bit, the music still rips. Very cool! |
Picks: Vibrant, Stockade, Ginchy, The Detective, El Cuatrero, Quite A Fireball, Thunderbird, Firewater, The Jester
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Vibrant" is a romping surf number with the feel and fury of vintage surf. The melody line is very period, the whammy chords perfect, and the drums right on. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a song with ringing guitar lines and whammy chords. Its circular riffs are very friendly, and its overall sound inviting. "Stockade" is fun and excellent on the road.
Surf (Instrumental)
This Tchaikovsky melody is very nicely done, with excellent classic surf sound and infectious bounce in the rhythm. fast and fluid, "Ginchy" easily makes your drive down that coastal highway so much better.
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Detective" is a slow moving number with whammy drama and dangerous tremolo. Its melody and rhythm warn you to be careful, while the clear tone beckon you. An interesting track.
Surf (Instrumental)
This traditional track is a splendid example of the easy fun and celebrative joy of Spanish music. Bouncy, exuberant, and pure fun. You can not dislike "El Cuatrero."
Surf (Instrumental)
With the Fireballs written all over it, "Quite A Fireball" bounces and grins with the same kind of charm that the Fireballs exuded. This is a wonderful track with great drums, perfect bass, and superb guitars.
Surf (Instrumental)
Semi Indian big guitar over a rockin' backtrack is dribbled out with lovely picking and fire. "Thunderbird" is a wonderful track with a cool drum break and relentless spirit. Very good!
Surf (Instrumental)
Jimmy Haskell's "Firewater," originally cut by the Astronauts, is done with strength and flair. The muted reverbed rhythm is way cool, and the whole performance solid.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a bonus track currently on their website. It's not on the CD. The Vibrants play this Jim Messina and the Jesters song with lots of spunk and surf charm. Very cool version!