Release Date: June 6, 2026
Surf, Sun, and Sonic Waves
The Earthquakes are a power surf-rock-psych trio and an active fixture in Melbourne, Australia's local and Victorian live music scene, regularly playing pub gigs, community shows, and themed music events.
Their debut full-length album, Tentacles, is an exclusive international pressing on 45 rpm squid ink translucent, teal-colored vinyl, limited to 250 copies.
“Tentacles” opens the platter with a creeping bass line and a spooky atmosphere, like a creature lurking right around the corner. The guitar arrives with a crisp, resonant tone and plenty of twang. The tempo is slow, then it shifts and picks up momentum, launching into tremolo runs. Towards the end, it explodes into a powerful wave of explosive trio colors. A human voice comes in occasionally with some hollers. Beautifully transitional while painting a picture and getting things off to a great start.
“Highball!” continues with high-energy twang, tempo transitions, and a terrific melody. Atmospheric sounds and tasteful guitar playing abound, with bursts of energy and power the bass and drums happily oblige. Twangy and expressive, with echoing power and effects, this music sounds amazing on vinyl!
“Beware The Quiet Man” starts with strong rhythm and a retro first-wave sound, with some continuity before the music kicks into high gear. Based on the track title, though, you wouldn't anticipate any of those energetic, transitory guitar runs. Wrong! It cuts loose again into a full-blown rocker, complete with guitar effects, psych, and heavy bass and drums to push it all along. Then it comes full circle. This is an aspect of the genre that I have come to love and respect. This is one of my favorites for non-stop energy.
“Lonesome Detour” begins with a thumping drum bass layer underneath the twang of the guitar. Their sound is powerful on every track, no matter the tempo. This one has variable tones and layers with a little spaghetti western twang. It’s all about the atmosphere a track can create, and once again they make it happen; the guitar takes off in many different directions. Rock influences here.
“Last Drink” winds up side A, and with all the sudden stops and starts it moves along nicely. The rhythm section supports the twang and reverb, staying restrained at times, then kicking into a run. You can hear the hollers and grunts in these songs; however, this one had more. With variable tempos, a bluesy edge, and plenty of twang, I was reminded of Link Wray with its gritty garage-punk edge and some vocalized oomph.
Side B opens with “Second Pressing.” This one
is a slow burner, showing you another side of this powerful band. Switching to
the softer side of surf and doing it well shows an eclectic musicianship. They
show that well here, while still adding some of their might in the transitions,
reminding you they can rock at slower tempos, too. After expending that energy
on the first side, it was time to show you another aspect of their abilities.
“La Sombra” brings in another characteristic of their talents as you hear the count-off 1, 1, 2, 3, 4. Here we go into a Latino-flavored mode of musical expression. Translated to English, it means “The Shadow,” and it feels that way as soon as you hear it. The tempo conveys that vision, with the drums and bass setting the pace and the guitar using the twang and influences of a popular subgenre where this music fits comfortably. Tasteful guitar lines with plenty of impact; even slowed down, the pace and energy level work well. One of the most tasteful tracks!
“Bakelite Baby” brings the color and energy level back up. The drums keep good time, with crashing cymbals when appropriate, as the bass walks the synced line. The guitar hits its best tremolo before smoothing out into a resonating twang. The drum beat settles into the familiar pace the genre turns to. A big change occurs as the guitar drops to the lower register and cranks out, sounding like Dick Dale meets Link Wray! Then it comes full circle to the original melody.
“Waiting For Kismet” enters subtly, far away, but only for a few seconds before it emerges with volume and presence. I appreciate how the music transitions from one part to the next, and how the guitar’s sound is crisp and poignant (as always). That echoing voice finds its way back into the mix, reminding you there is a real person behind this music. Another great track with plenty of hard and soft edges and color to keep you interested until the end. Traditional sounds meet today’s nuances and production values perfectly once again, one of my favorites.
“Carry The Can” brings the album to a close. I enjoyed this so much I did not want it to end. The band goes into sun-drenched, full-on beach mode surf waltz. This is a beautiful way to end this incredibly entertaining recording. This one really pays tribute to the genre's roots in a very classy way.
The Earthquakes make a remarkable impact for a trio
and live up to their name, delivering a bold, electrifying sound. With
"Tentacles," they firmly stake their claim in the surf-rock scene,
proving that Melbourne’s music underground is alive and kicking. As a debut,
it's confident and memorable; just don’t forget to set your turntable to
45 rpm for the full experience.
THE EARTHQUAKES are:
Andrew Hunt - guitar
Nick Gray - drums
Fred Johnston - bass
Special guest: Anders Pfeiffer guiro on "La Sombra" & percussion
Recorded October 2025 in Melbourne, Australia
Recorded & mixed by Julian Cue
Mastered by Mikey Young
All songs by The Earthquakes
Illustration by Sacha Bryning
Design & layout by Kustom Deluxe Design
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
September 30, 2026
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