Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Z.O.W.I.E. - S/Tdotdotdot
artworkZ.O.W.I.E.'s demo of a few months back is coupled with some very strong live material for a fine first release. Spy sounds with some surf and lots of very strong fuzz guitar work. Some mighty nice arranging and writing, as well as solid sound. Of particular note are the incredible groove that was born as "Peter Gunn," and the fine version of the Go-Go's "Surfin' and Spyin'."
Picks: Napoleon Complex, Four Eyes, Siberian Express, The Vibe, Our Man In Cairo, Terror At 7 Springs, Planet Gunn, Surfin' and Spyin', Steppin' Stone, Tripple 0 Stomp, Dick Tracy

Track by Track Review


Napoleon Complex dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

Big fuzz approaching the spy sound from the Mission Impossible direction, with string bending action and a credible melody. Whirling console organ backs up the double picked parts.

Four Eyes dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

"Four Eyes" is a pretty darn cool fuzz number with a bit of surf sensibility and lots of edge. melodic and relentless.

Siberian Express dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

Espionage on the "Siberian Express" is dipped in organ cheese. Well written and executed, with big guitar charging and whistling organ.

The Vibe dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

"The Vibe" floats groovily across a sad scene with cool organ tone and haunting drums and bass. The guitar rings in danger looming in the distance. Brooding and hazardous.

Our Man In Cairo dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

The big twang goes to Egypt, where a relentless riff and spy tone support whirling organ melodies. haunting and troublesome.

Terror At 7 Springs dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

Big fuzz spy with intense guitar drive and a whistling organ underbelly. Very big and powerful, with vibrant harsh guitar work. Quite cool.

Planet Gunn dotdotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

"Peter Gunn" becomes "Planet Gunn," recorded live at Area 51. Very interesting slow soft treatment with throbbing guitar before launching into an intense assault.

Surfin' and Spyin' dotdotdotdot
Spy Surf (Instrumental)

The Go-Go's' "Surfin' and Spyin'" is driven mighty hard. Big and powerful, with all the panache the song deserves. It was recorded live at Area 51.

Steppin' Stone dotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

I never thought I'd hear an instro treatment of this tune. It's quite effective, with big guitar and great relentless drums. Recorded live at Area 51.

Tripple 0 Stomp dotdotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

This starts out more a progression than a song, but heavy surf guitar thrashing bails it out. Like a surf jam in high gear. "Tripple 0 Stomp" was recorded live at Area 51.

Dick Tracy dotdotdotdot
Spy (Instrumental)

Big and twang driven, "Dick Tracy" is high powered, with throbbing bass and huge guitar. Excellent. Recorded live at Area 51.