Release Date: November 12, 2021
Label: Altered State of
Reverb
Website
Del Sotos are an instrumental surf rock
band from Moscow, Russia. They’ve been active since 2011, playing classic-style
surf music with reverb-heavy guitars, twangy tones, and a fun, retro vibe
inspired by 1960s surf rock (think Dick Dale or The Ventures, but with their
own Russian twists).
The
band is led by guitarist Roman Sokolov, who reached out to me to share this
self-titled release.
The
internet makes the world smaller, and this is a perfect example of that! To
hear from a band so far away is always such a welcome treat.
“Sweet
Girls of St. Petersburg” gets the party started. Right away, I recognized the
excellent separation of instruments, allowing listeners to hear the entire band
and each instrument individually. I have always appreciated strong production
values like that because I listen that way all the time; it helps me appreciate
all positions in a band. A great opener with good energy and flair for the
retro surf instro sound!
“Reverboard”
is their fast mover, coming in just under two minutes. After reading what they
were about, I have to say the description is spot on. They are inspired by the
progenitors of the genre, like Dale and The Ventures, and this track is a
shining example of that sound.
“Yessentuki
Number 17 (Sparkling Water)” starts off with, you guessed it, a glass of water
being poured (nope, not a wave this time!). Continuing their consistent
approach, you will again notice how each instrument stands out with a clear,
crisp sound. Cymbals are crashing on this one (a large glass of water?). This
is a real mover and a look back at the roots of this music. Their focus is
intended to be that way, and they do it all very well.
“Gift
Gun” transitions to a different sound with strummed guitar, then the lead comes
in with a spaghetti western color and atmosphere. Then they increase the tempo,
and it becomes more complex. This is one of my favorites. I loved the scenario
they created.
“Moscow
River Coast” uses diverse guitar techniques and effective tremolo and reverb.
Here, they sound like a modern band, taking bits and pieces of yesteryear and
adding their own stamp, creating a real rocker. Loved the non-stop energy as
the guitar weaves in and out, and the bass and drums follow beautifully.
“Music
for Lap Dancers” is a title you wouldn’t expect on a surf instro album, yet it
still carries elements of the genre. I would refer to it as more of a rock
instrumental, though. Good work for a nice change in flow.
“Late”
is the longest stretch on the album at 3:31. Once again, they change the tempo
and in and out of transitions over to some quick picking in between and around
the edges. This is very atmospheric, with a surfy edge. Very tasteful guitar
notes with measured bottom end.
“Salt
Waves” brings the energy level back up to their core retro sound. It’s like
saying “The last one was for relaxing and watching the waves,” but this one
will make you want to go buy a vintage surf record from one of the ’60s bands!
Great guitar work, as you have come to expect on every track.
“Moon
Lover” cranks up the energy level another notch, especially with the drums and
bass, and then the Hammond organ arrives in all its glory. That sound is always
so distinct, adding another element that changes any song. This is the prime
mover so far!
“Step
to Me” carries a great deal of rhythm and excellent guitar work, with variable
tones and an exceptional foundation from the bass and drums. It’s a real
toe-tapper, which many of these tracks are. The mood is bright, and the
musicianship is spot on.
“Surfing
Аround Fort Boyard” gets a little heavier with some superb tremolo work. This
is a great way to close out this recording with some high, colorful energy. The
power of the music is on display, and their sound is amazing and so addictive!
The
Del Sotos release may be celebrating their fifth year in 2026,
but what truly matters is how their music transcends time. I felt like I had one
foot in the past and one in the present day, which isn’t easily achieved.
Each track combines a dynamic feel
with a nod to classic surf rock. Their
musicianship—brilliant guitar lines, powerhouse bass, and forceful drums—sets a
new standard for what current surf instro can achieve. This album doesn’t just
revisit the genre’s roots; it reinvents them, proving Del Sotos are a force
that can’t be ignored.
Credits:
All
music & arrangements by Del Sotos, except 11: music by Paul Koulak,
arrangement by Del Sotos
Roman
Sokolov - guitar
Dmitry
Andreev - bass guitar
Nick
Radchenkov - drums
Alexey
Blohin - Hammond organ (9)
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
February
15, 2026
Tracks:
01. Sweet Girls of St. Petersburg 2:28
02. Reverboard 1:57
03. Yessentuki Number 17 (Sparkling Water) 2:00
04. Gift Gun 2:15
05. Moscow River Coast 2:53
06. Music for Lap Dancers 2:02
07. Late 3:31
08. Salt Waves 2:51
09. Moon Lover 2:53
10. Step to Me 2:48
11. Surfing Аround Fort Boyard 2:34
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