Instrumental Rock-Surf Review: ZOCKO! - Dial 'Z' For "ZOCKO!" - 7” Vinyl-4 Track EP

 Release Date: September 6, 2024

Label: Beef Platter Records

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Dial’ Z' For "ZOCKO!" is their debut 4-song EP. Hailing from the DC and Baltimore area, they arrived via vinyl with some very colorful artwork. The first thought was the Batman TV series I remember watching as a little boy, and how they would get in a fight with the villains, and all those words would pop out on the screen like Bam! Pow! and probably Zocko!

They are an instrumental rock band with some surf edges, but more of the sub-genres of surf instro are touched upon.

“Fenwick Drainer” jump-starts side one of the 45 rpm slice of vinyl. There is an immediate influx of high energy, rapid guitar runs, fiery locomotive drums, and bass. One hell of a way to kick-start things, with a surf feel featuring some tasty nuggets of Mexican-influenced notes.

“The Lonesome Death of Billy Jack” begins with the epic spaghetti western intro, then a here-we-go gallop through a ready-made scenario for an Ennio Morricone film. The electric guitar leads are fine with the rapid strumming of an acoustic backing. Then, suddenly, a big colorful transition and quicker bursts of the six-strings coming at you from every angle. Excellent!

“My Summer With Ritu” surely has a summer feel. About halfway through, you hear some meatier guitar licks, then it transitions back to the softer tasteful leads. The tempos shift back and forth, keeping the mood upbeat and bright. Very catchy with plenty of hooks!

“A Taste of Honey (live)” is great! An Herb Alpert classic and one of my all-time favorite instrumental artists. The guitar walks the walk on this track as it should. Can’t say I have ever heard such a rockin’ version of this song! A unique way to end the platter.

ZOCKO! has recorded a memorable debut with this EP, showcasing their talent and unique sound. I’m eager to hear what they come up with next.

Credits:

Sean "Link" Lally (guitar)

Jerome "Jeronimo" McManus (guitar)

Joe "Gringo" Schwartz (bass)

Skizz "Skizz" Cyzyk (drums)

Recorded & mixed by Steve Shaw at Shaw Ranch Studio (Newville, PA), except A Taste Of Honey, recorded live at Holy Frijoles (Baltimore, MD) on December 22, 2023. Front cover art by El Gato Gomez. Back cover photos by Mike Landsman. Mastered by Shorty Poole. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 22, 2026

Tracks:

Side One:

1. Fenwick Drainer 01:22

2. The Lonesome Death of Billy Jack 03:01

Side Two:

3. My Summer With Ritu 02:28

4. A Taste of Honey (live) 02:14

Surf Instrumental Review: The Boss Jaguars-Peel Out with The Boss Jaguars! 7" Vinyl

Release Date: February 20, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

The Boss Jaguars are a four-piece instrumental rock band based in Austin, Texas, known for their unique blend of surf, spy, spaghetti western, hot rod, and exotica. They have been performing since 2010 and typically play around 60 gigs a year.

Peel Out With The Boss Jaguars is their new 7” vinyl in partnership with the Colorado Instrumental Fanzine.

Peeling out means pressing down on the accelerator and having your car shoot out like a rocket (most people know this, but for listeners who have never heard the expression, it was worth mentioning). This band emulates that kind of speed on their two tracks: “Rust Bucket,” which points to an old car, and “2222 Go!,” which I thought was an interesting track title.

Food for thought is this: The recurring appearance of 2222 is a gentle nudge to seek balance in all areas of your life. It invites you to reflect on your priorities, let go of negativity, and embrace a more harmonious existence. Once you hear that track, I think you will be able to relate that reference to the music.

“Rust Bucket” is twangy surf rock with a retro, echoey sound and the tremolo so characteristic of the genre. The bass and drums are killer, and the guitar just screams, “Here I am!” It rocks with a retro first-wave feel and leaves a lasting impression.

“2222 Go!” takes it one step further with the retro sound. If you are familiar with early 60s surf music, this will pull you back there. It rocks with precision and a solid rhythm section. About midway, it calms down for a bit, like low tide, then the waves gradually get bigger and return to what you heard before that transition. The balance of the number 2222 is exemplified in this track, as they traverse the surf-instrumental landscape, from highly spirited tempos to a more laid-back surf-and-sun sound.

The Boss Jaguars are a powerhouse of instrumental rock, leaving an indelible mark with their electrifying sound. Releasing these two tracks on a specially designed 7” vinyl transforms the experience into something truly special—a collectible gem for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With their vibrant energy, retro flair, and undeniable talent, The Boss Jaguars remind us why surf instro music continues to dazzle and outshine other genres, wave after wave.

Credits:

Guitar - Chris Harrison
Drums - Michael Bahan
Rhythm Guitar - Darren Kuper
Bass - Rick Watson

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 14, 2026

Tracks:

1. Rust Bucket 2:21

2. 2222 Go! 2:24

Surf Instrumental Track: Langhorns - Monte Carlo Confidenziale

 Release Date: November 20, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Celebrating the Langhorns' 30 years (1995-2025) of making music, they released the track “Monte Carlo Confidenziale.”

They referred to it as a song inspired by a film that was never made.

The music and cover art clearly paint that scenario.

With a surf-spy atmosphere, the intrigue and mystery of a story come to life. The surf component is there, and the other quintessential elements of instrumental rock are also key.

The guitar has a distinct tone and just enough twang, while the bass and drums are equally prominent and drive the drama of the film playing in your mind as you listen.

The Langhorns have built a long and impressive legacy, consistently reaffirming their significance within the surf instrumental community. Their magic signature remains unmistakable, shining through every note on this track.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 18, 2026