Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Duane Albert And Switchblade - S/T
 | There are some surf licks and sounds among the blues-based rock instros on this release. "Silver Surfer" is a particularly interesting track, blending blues-rock with surf and psychedelics. |
Picks: Rumble, Raw-Hide, Silver Surfer, Chupacabra, Dear Link, Boardwalk Blues, Alligator Stomp
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a standard and very reverent version of Link Wray's signature song. It's big and loud and edgy. The double picked section is replaced with chord action, and it doesn't develop the pulsing tremolo of the original. Very tasteful.
Rock (Instrumental)
Link Wray and his Raymen's "Raw-Hide" is strong, though a bit slow. Guitar edge, and solid drums and bass deliver this classic well.
Surfadelic (Instrumental)
"Silver Surfer" is an interesting number from several perspectives. It starts with wankage a la Gary Hoey, but then the glissandos tell you it will be more than that. A straight surf beat and pumping bass support a surf based number with psychedelic flights of fancy and a number of delightful changes. Sometimes bluesy like maybe Rory Gallagher, but most often adventurous and spatial. The psych section is superb!
Rock (Instrumental)
"Chupacabra" is a hard driving rocker with intense blues-based guitar screaming lines. The beat is a straight surf beat. Loud and aggressive.
Near Surf (Instrumental)
Likely a nod to Link Wray, "Dear Link" is a soft number with the sound of Jimi Hendrix's more delicate moments via echo and chords. There are some Link-style chords, and some liquidy reverb. This guitar solo is very cool, perhaps even stunning at times. Excellent emotional content.
Near Surf (Instrumental)
A slow-dance number with a pretty melody and delicate rhythm guitar. haunting the way slow blues can be haunting. The slow-dribbled double picked lines are pretty nice.
Blues Rock (Instrumental)
Aggressive and raucous, this blues rocker is fun and kinda cool. Plenty of energy and twango, but a lot more flash than staying power.