Release Date: August 10, 2026
Guitar Adventures in the Lo-Fi HighKey Way-Out:
Reviewing Major Echo’s Seven-Track EP Cosmic Guitars
Major Echo is songwriter/guitarist Michael de Yoanna's return to music with the seven-track EP Cosmic Guitars.
When he’s not playing guitar, he’s an award-winning journalist covering the American West. As Michael intimates on the cover art, you get instrumental adventures into the Lo-Fi HighKey Way-Out.
“Dragonfly” opens with twang, reverb, and serious string bending, then shifts into a heavier bottom end with fat notes and strong bass. It gets more atmospheric with some cool effects, then returns to the original core: heavy bass, twang, and heavier, meatier notes. The song goes through several transitions in just two minutes and forty-three seconds. A very impressive start!
“Artemis Slingshot” begins with a subtle guitar, then a prominent drum enters as the arrangement shifts to nice surf sounds with resonant guitar notes. A traditional surf intro takes hold, then explodes into a wave of layered guitar, before suddenly stepping back into softer picking. All the while, those drums kept pounding, which I found interesting in the softer moments, as they weren’t distracting. Then cowboy hollers are thrown in, with a distinct galloping drum matching the changes and more atmospheric sounds hinting at spaghetti western scenery. Masterful movements of sounds and structure!
“Occupy Mars” keeps the core surf sound while adding more rock elements and guitar effects. Given the track title, you are thinking spacey and sci-fi, and that feeling comes through throughout. I like the breaks and transitioning textures with the guitar playing; it's the strongest asset in these tracks. Another solid arrangement that keeps your attention.
“Rocket Seals” is off and running with a hard-driving Dick Dale-like guitar. This one flat-out rocks with waves of powerful surf and tremolo ruling the day. Flashes of harder rock guitar runs are featured as well. At 4:43, this is the lengthiest track and a showcase of Michael’s virtuoso six-string dominance. If you like shredding and surf around the edges, you will love this one!
“Colfax Motorbikes” brings the listener into the surf-spy vibe. The bass notes give it the proper anticipatory feeling, as the lead guitar’s lines are sharp and placed perfectly. The rhythm section rolls along nicely. I liked the transitory nature of his playing in every song, and here it continues with authority once again—some twang, reverb, and moments where the six-string screams out. Intrigue, atmosphere, and colorful excitement fill the air.
“Lakes of Titan” brings the tempo down considerably, creating an atmosphere of definitive change. The guitar’s voice is ever-changing and eclectic. When it comes to anything related to nature, the focus and sound shift. This is more psych and experimental than any other track. One of the longer tracks shows restraint, while another showcases the artist's technical ability and willingness to take a chance and enter another realm entirely.
“Olympus Mons” winds things up after a fascinating run of guitar transitions and styles. On the closer, we return to the more surf-influenced sound, with stronger leads and the second guitar weaving in more elegant notes. The soundscapes are interesting and keep you anticipating the next change just around the corner. That is what makes this track and all the preceding tracks so immersive. A great way to end this.
As the final notes fade, it’s clear that Cosmic Guitars is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a vibrant, immersive journey through the possibilities of instrumental storytelling. Major Echo’s creative vision and technical mastery shine on every track, making this EP a must-hear for fans of adventurous guitar music. The title feels especially fitting once you’ve experienced the cosmic ride within.
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
September 4, 2026
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