SURF INSTRUMENTAL REVIEWS

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Friday, February 20, 2026

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

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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

Monday, February 16, 2026

Surf Instrumental Holiday Review: Agent Octopus-Christmas On The Pier EP

 Release Date: December 17, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

Is it always a good time to hear Christmas music? Well, maybe for some folks. If you enjoy surf instrumental music and some seasonal favorites done with the surf flair and color, then you are in luck.

Agent Octopus is sure to cure those winter blues and the bah-humbugs with their Christmas On The Pier 4-track EP.

“Christmas on the Pier” instantly creates a light, airy atmosphere with soft tones and resonant notes. The rhythm section is right on cue, and the rhythm guitar is an added layer. Keyboards are the final ingredient in making this a complete track of snowy joy.

“Surf Child of Light (Silent Night)” is the twangiest “Silent Night” tribute you may have yet to hear. Many of its transitions stand out while preserving the core melody. The guitars have a resonant tone that captures the holiday spirit. Kind of like rockin’ around the Christmas tree fun! Excellent musicianship, as I have come to expect from this band.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy” is an interesting one as it starts off with a “Secret Agent Man” riff, then quickly transforms into their own unique blend of tasty traditional treats. Halfway through, what’s that I hear? The James Bond theme? This band often includes short tributes in their songs, which I always appreciate.

“O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)” closes this EP with a solid stretch at 4:03. Not your typical surf-instrumental workout, but then none of these tracks are. But that is the point here: present some traditional holiday music that still appeals to their audience. Very tasteful guitar lines are laid down as the bass and drums are quietly doing their job in the background to let the six-string magic take hold.

Whether you’re still bundled up in the snowy Northeast or soaking up the sun somewhere warm, these surf-inspired holiday tracks can transport you right back to the festive season. It’s easy to imagine swapping snow boots for flip-flops and celebrating Christmas with sand between your toes. No matter where you are, Agent Octopus proves that surf-instrumental music brings holiday cheer all year round.

Credits:

Art Svrjcek - lead/rhythm guitars/keys on 3 & 4

Jim Colby - bass/rhythm guitars

Jason Mendelson - additional guitars on Christmas on the Pier

Mike Jarjoura - keyboards on Christmas on the Pier

Drums - Gio Maucieri & Jason Deatherage

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 16, 2026


Tracks:

1. Christmas on the Pier 02:40

2. Surf Child of Light (Silent Night) 03:52

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy 02:39

4. O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) 04:03