Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Wavers - Calaveradotdotdotdot
artworkThere are some very good tracks here, most notably "Surfers Rule" and "Stairway." The Wavers sound is dryer than most, lighter too, but very satisfying. Check it out.
Picks: Once Upon A Time In Waverland, King Of San Felipe, Ding 'o' Stomp, Guarda Che Luna, Coconut, Calavera, Surfers Rule, Heaven, Leaving San Felipe

Track by Track Review


Once Upon A Time In Waverland dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Once Upon A Time In Waverland" has a galloping rhythm and spaghetti western melody. It's a little dry, and way too short. The melody line carries forward into "King Of San Felipe."

King Of San Felipe dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

An excellent melody and mechanical beat with dry guitars. "King Of San Felipe" is compositionally interesting. It seems to me to beg for a more sympathetic arrangement and sound, and more fluid melody delivery. I don't mean that to sound harsh. I really like the writing.

Ding 'o' Stomp dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Ding 'o' Stomp" has a fun riff and beat. It's a simple riff rocker sort of song, but its innocent fun makes that not matter.

Guarda Che Luna dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Mournful guitar notes open "Guarda Che Luna," which quickly evolves into a kind of "Godfather"-ish song. Double picked and fun, with a great rhythm section.

Coconut dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Coconut" sports an island sound, with a gentle and summery melody. It makes you recall vacations past. Sun, lagoons, and wahines!

Calavera dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Calavera" has a happy sound, with a playful melody and upbeat tempo. The melody is circular and warm, as are the chords. The psych wah-wah break is brief and a nice counterpoint.

Vanilla Caos dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

With an unusual, slightly choppy riff, and a jammy bridge, "Vanilla Caos" is much more a rocker than surf.

Surfers Rule dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Organ rides lightly in the background as an easy melody with dramatic bridges holds sway. The break is good enough to be a song on its own. I really like this track!

Heaven dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Heaven" is a splendid surf treatment of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven." While just under three minutes, all of the elements of the original are woven in, but it's at a more modern surf pace. This is thoroughly cool! Suffice it to say you must hear this track!

Leaving San Felipe dotdotdotdotdot
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)

This acoustic guitar solo (well, two guitars) is lovely and very well played. It isn't really surf, but it is a wonderful track. Superb playing and writing.