Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Brazil's Xevi 50 play a brand of instrumental based in surf, but reverb free and with strong influences of flamenco and a highly original sound. This CD, recorded in August 2000 "in one take" displays a band with a mission and a unique vision. Mostly melodic and rhythmic, their songs are short blasts of fresh sound that catch and keep your attention. The truck on the cover is their surf buggy.

Picks: Meia Prancha Tubarao, Out Sider, Xevi Hum, O Bom, Os Castisais, Q Uizas, F. P. S. 50, Bonanza (tema da serie), Indisciplina na Escola, Miserlou, Tudo Mentera

Surf (Instrumental)

Thundering drums and shouts of "tubarao" drive a power progression and flying guitar riffs, along with aquatic electro sounds, all surrounded with a Jaws inspired bit of drama opening and closing the song.

Surf (Instrumental)

With guitar sound and style outside the envelope of surf, "Out Sider" portrays modern wave challenges and somewhat jazz influenced riffs. Quite an interesting track.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Xevi Hum" relies a on a circular riff that runs up and back down before making room for some unusual and aquatic chords.

Surf (Instrumental)

This Carlos Imperial tune is like something from a cross of the Cadillac Angels and Kelp. Melodic and fluid, rockabilly based (uses the "Something Else" riff), rhythmic and catchy.

Surf (Instrumental)

Parts of this are like angular rhythmic jazz, and parts are more progression based. Curiously attractive.

Surf (Instrumental)

A gorgeous ringing Spanish chord opens this lush Latin track. Perhaps the most attractive song here, "Q Uizas" is adventurous and liquid, with a tight double picked bridge, and a very warm melody line.

Surf (Instrumental)

Rhythmic and riff based, "F. P. S. 50" is a bit aggressive, somewhat angular, and a little dissonant. Quite unusual and interesting, with a bit of an edge and thick tonality.

Surf (Instrumental)

Utterly unlike any other cover of this western theme, mostly because of the dry minor chord guitar with a fifties sound. Quite fun and bouncy, yet a bit dangerous.

Surf (Instrumental)

Much about chord progressions and danger, "Indisciplina na Escola" borrows from Malaguena and a sub thrash ethic to create an intense scene.

Surf (Instrumental)

With their characteristic guitar edge, "Miserlou" is double picked very fast and delicately, more like a flamenco than a surf rage. This is one of the more interesting treatments of this song, totally fresh and yet reverent to Dick Dale's single version.

Surf (Instrumental)

Surf and twang, big guitar and rock, melodic and rhythmic, all blended in an aggressive power chord thrasher.