Modern Noir Meets Classic Surf: Why The Sea-Jays Are Ruling the Waves
The SEA-JAYS are a modern instrumental surf rock project based in Los Angeles, California. The group is the brainchild of guitarist and producer Corky James, who developed the project during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
A Touch Of Terror II showcases a locked-in trio intent on creating the necessary scenery with their music to keep you glued to the speakers, and they do.
“A Shot In The Dark” begins this cinematic journey. Right away, you can feel nostalgia, and the 60s movies come to mind. A Shot in the Dark is a 1964 comedy. It is a standalone sequel to The Pink Panther and is the second installment in the eponymous film series.
This three-piece put it all together nicely, with the lead guitar’s twangy, resonant notes permeating the air around you, while the drums and bass form a full-on locomotive rhythm machine. A lot is accomplished in under 3 minutes!
“Laura Palmer” starts with a strong, rhythmic drumbeat as the guitar’s twang and tremolo create an air of anticipation and a kind of spy-versus-spy scenario in your mind’s eye. The drum and bass are a fortress for the guitar to cut loose, providing many transitions throughout the track. The composition blends the color and intrigue from start to finish.
“007” continues the classic sound tradition with a nod to the legendary James Bond. This time, what you hear is a guitar right out of the book of The Shadows and some interesting transitions and effects. The focus is on the famous spy and all the excitement around that character. Heading towards the end, the guitar really cranks with a harder edge before reverting to twang and tremolo.
“Arabesque” starts with a steady drumbeat as the guitar enters with its familiar melody. This is a classic retro surf-rock instrumental, with the patented drumbeat and bass keeping time perfectly. Irresistible rhythm and melody!
“White Lotus” is the softer touch, with tasteful guitar leads before launching into more aggressive playing, while the bass and drums continue to provide their outstanding foundation. Nice tremolo action and echoing effects are used to create the atmosphere before the change happens, and you hear the guitar’s powerful signature.
“Saturday” is the closer and the longest track at 4:11. Straight away, it sounds like a ’50s pop ballad, with a melody and restrained playing. It has that classic vibe running throughout, and the feeling is very strong. This is pure rock, and the surf and twang are left behind, thereby illustrating the eclectic nature of their musical abilities. The first thing you want to do after hearing this track is play it again! So good!
A Touch Of Terror II is a superbly crafted collection, featuring some of the finest surf rock instrumentals you’ll find in just six tracks. The album leaves you wanting more—another six tracks would be more than welcome. Corky James (guitar), Sam Bolle (bass), and Bryan Head (drums) prove themselves a remarkable trio, delivering a memorable, immersive listening experience.
Credits:
Bass: Sam Bolle
Drums: Bryan Head
Guitar: Corky James
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder]
May 14, 2026
Originally Published: 1998
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