Label: Tabu Recordings
The Madeira began in 2004 in Indianapolis, IN. The band features Ivan Pongracic on lead guitar, founder of the 1990s surf music icons the Space Cossacks, and Patrick O'Connor on rhythm guitar, founder of the Indy space-surf mavens Destination: Earth!; Dane Carter on drums; and Todd Fortier on bass.
They have released seven recordings: Sandstorm (2005), Ruins EP (2006), Carpe Noctem (2008), Tribal Fires (2012), Sonic Cataclysm - Live (2014), Ancient Winds (2015), and Center of the Surf - Live (2018), all on Double Crown Records from Bellingham, Washington.
Archipelago: The Best of Madeira takes the best of those releases and encapsulates them into this 12-track compilation.
Madeira, officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira, is an autonomous region of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean about 805 km southwest of mainland Portugal. That will give you an idea of the foundation and inspiration of this music.
You are anticipating a great start to this before you hit play. Knowing who is involved with this project creates excitement just talking about it.
“The Saracen” jumps right into the high-energy focus with tremolo runs from Ivan Pongracic. Patrick O’Connor provides a steady rhythm guitar, while Dane Carter and Todd Fortier are the one-two punch on drums and bass. Here, that excitement is justified with a superb opener that sets the stage for this best collection and the excellent musicianship you would come to expect from this group of talented men.
“Journey to the Center of the Surf” begins in explosive fashion, something Ivan is known for with his highly technical mastery of the six-string. The tremolo runs are a highlight as he transitions to tasteful, tempered playing, then back to the rapid tempos that make this music essential surf-rock instrumental perfection. The solid support from the other positions in the band allows the lead guitar to weave its magic.
“Witch Doctor” falls one second short of four minutes. The complexities and layers of sounds continue to mesmerize you, the listener. Notably, guitar playing is incredibly lucid, and the drums and bass step back on the lower-tempo passages, then suddenly explode into a wall of sound again. The bass is so strong, and those cymbals are crashing with rapid drum rolls. A powerful exhibition of high energy and the ability to scale it back to a more mellow sound.
“Ancient Winds” has more traditional surf instro sound with an island feel. Even as the tempo picks up and the guitars resonate, you can hear the echoes of the 60s first wave. Now it feels like ancient winds (though the concept here means something different) as I look back on those many years that have passed. However, this listener never underestimates its relevance and meaning.
“Burning Mirage” starts off as a mellow lead-in before cranking up the volume and intensity. As the title may suggest, the mirage is burning in your mind’s eye as the music picks you up and leads you there. So many transitions are happening here within this timeframe. Another impactful track.
“Into the Deep” is the longest track at 4:30 and certainly could be a defining statement of the band’s music and driving force. The track leads in with a dreamy, resonating sequence as you wait for another one of those dramatic changes. The pace picks up somewhat; however, it remains restrained and quite beautiful as the composition takes shape. About three-quarters of the way, it comes to a head and explodes into a crescendo of sound, with the bottom end sounding like waves crashing to shore. No sooner than that passage reaches its pace, it reverts to the softer side of their sound, with the sound of waves, and fades out.
“Tribal Fury” returns to the high-octane excitement of previous tracks. The tremolo guitar runs return, with razor-sharp leads interspersed, as the rhythm guitar and the back end serve as the locomotive engine driving this musical train. A distinctive Middle Eastern sound comes into focus as they continue to rock out in classic Dick Dale style, shredding with authority. The music fits the title perfectly.
“Undercurrents” is where Ivan’s lifelong love of The Shadows is in the spotlight here. Hank Marvin would be proud. The tasteful, elegant picking is a credit to his knowledge of the history of instrumental rock and to his status as one of its progenitors. The bass and drums carry a jazz-like beat and rhythm as the guitar’s notes cut a path through the air.
“Caravella” once again changes the trajectory of their music style and flow. The guitars are simply roaring here with the tremolo runs and reverb. Suddenly, it stops momentarily, then catches fire again, and we are off and running into six-string land from the lead and rhythm. The bottom end continues to play, inspired by rapid-fire bursts. So much is going on at once, but the recording's separation is excellent.
“Cities of Gold” may be a tribute to the lost tribes of the Incas and the Mayans; however, the sound has a smooth, crisp tone that makes you feel the sun and surf as if you are right there enjoying them. Tremolo rules once again with transitory runs that keep you engaged. I thought of a few of my favorite Merrell Fankhauser albums I had the pleasure of enjoying decades ago. Everything I love about surf instro came together in this track like the ebb and tides of the ocean.
“Rolling Thunder” grabs you right away with a Spaghetti Western flair and a picturesque sunset off in the distance as you ride to your destination through the music. Sounds of the wild west are heard as the tremolo heightens the picture. The music is superbly rendered once again, creating an atmosphere of energy and color that has you reminiscing and looking forward to the future of this surf instro genre and to what a band’s diversity can bring.
“Sandstorm” is the perfect closer with the Middle Eastern twang and tremolo runs. This is the band in their element. The power of the music sweeps you away, as the title would indicate. Pure excitement and non-stop energy are the only way to close this out. They give it all they have, then finish it with a touch of mellowness with the guitar and say goodbye.
Archipelago: The Best of The Madeira stands as a vibrant tribute to this surf-rock instrumental supergroup. From the first track to the final note, the album captivates and holds you. The seamless fusion of talent from musicians with diverse backgrounds results in a dynamic and memorable sonic experience, showcasing the enduring power of collaboration in music.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
March
20, 2026
Tracks:
01. The Saracen 2:26
02. Journey to the Center of the Surf 3:20
03. Witch Doctor 3:59
04. Ancient Winds 2:49
05. Burning Mirage 2:35
06. Into the Deep 4:30
07. Tribal Fury 3:23
08. Undercurrents 2:36
09. Caravella 3:33
10. Cities of Gold 3:49
11. Rolling Thunder 3:12
12. Sandstorm 3:31
