Surf Instro Review: The Space Cossacks - Tsar Wars

https://thespacecossacks.bandcamp.com/

The long-awaited Tsar Wars from The Space Cossacks is finally here! The band has come a long way since their debut.

Following the massive success of Interstellar Stomp, the band solidifies its status as a top surf-instro group with this second full-length release.

 

The three-year wait was well worth it, as Tsar Wars brings a unique blend of reverb and twang that sets it apart from its predecessor and other surf-instro albums. The band's distinct sound will intrigue even the most seasoned music enthusiasts.

 

Ivan Pongracic and the group ignite the instrumental scene with their unique blend of reverb and twang. They'll send waves of reverb crashing into your mind or serenade you with soft, intricate melodies that harken back to The Shadows, a legendary instrumental rock band. Their sound is a refreshing departure from the norm, sure to captivate any listener.

 

Pongracic continues to amaze with his ever-improving skills. His ultra-fast picking style is a testament to his talent, challenging even the most seasoned guitarists. His potential to venture into new genres and create groundbreaking music is a testament to his skill and dedication, something that all music enthusiasts can appreciate.

 

I am as guilty as everyone else and tend to focus on Ivan; it's hard not to. So, what about the rest of the group? Without them, Ivan wouldn't be doing what he does so well. Mark English lays down a nice rhythm on guitar for Ivan to drop his snappy riffs upon, while Catherine Gray (bass) and Doug Hoekstra (drums) provide a possessed, power-driven rhythm section beyond compare.  It's a given...you should have the fastest and best skin pounder for great surf-instro music.

 

This group is not just rewriting the script; they're shaping the future of surf-instro music. With Tsar Wars, they've set a new standard, sparking debates about the most fantastic instro album ever made. Their influence and innovation will inspire the next generation of surf-instro musicians.

 

Keith "MuzikMan"  Hannaleck 

May 21, 2000

Tracks:

01. Exolumina 

02. Space Race 

03. The Apes Of Wrath

04. Tsunami Tsurprise

05. Escape From Gulag 

06. Sea Of Tranquility 

07.The Defector 

08. The Crusher 

09. Cossack Rocket Patrol 

10. The Jewel Of Duende 

11.  Departure 

12. Beyond The Third Star 

13. Tsar Wars  

14. iFiesta Del Cossacapulco! 

15. Tradewinds

Metal-Rock-Surf Stream: Hyperborean Tales by SHARP

 

Wait until you all hear this one! Some heavy-duty riffs and shredding with some surf around the edges. I loved it!

Give it a listen and see for yourself!

Surf-Instro Review: The Vara-Tones-Jetty Subject To High Surf

Bill Epps and Rich Campbell, the founding pillars of The Vara-Tones in 1961, were among the pioneers of the surf-instro genre during its first wave. Their peak years, '63 to '65, coincided with the height of the surf-instro craze.

Over three decades later, they have returned as the revitalized granddads of a genre experiencing a remarkable resurgence, drawing renewed interest from all media outlets and a fresh, hip fan base with Jetty Subject To High Surf.

 

Yes, another group has risen out of the ashes to reclaim its territory. This is an excellent time to be making music. The world has never been more open to new and different sounds. The Vara-Tones, with their unique, familiar, and innovative sound, have never really received the recognition and opportunity it is now experiencing. No one deserves the accolades and fame more than the guys who were there initially, shaping the essence of the surf-instro genre.

 

With their unwavering commitment to the original sound, the Vara-Tones hold a clinic for eager ears willing to learn. They have successfully re-ignited their original sound with the help of today's technologies and equipment, ensuring that the base sound is still there, now with a little more oomph (as Phil Dirt says). 

 

The original hit "Repeto" (1964) has been given a shot of new life with an upbeat rockin' flavor and a new title: "Repeto 2000." The group plays the original and updated versions, giving you the best of both worlds. 

 

Speaking of the best of both worlds...When many original surf groups reform and combine their music with today's sound, it sounds so much stronger, with a new fullness and freshness. What was once a mere ripple from a recording standpoint is now a Tsunami headed your way to give you the ride of your life. It all sounds better now because of the enhanced and improved sound quality and sonics.

 

The Latin, island-flavored tunes are immensely viable. "El Sereno" and "Midnight In Mazatlán" are as picturesque and inviting as the beaches you envision while listening.

 

Welcome back, Vera-Tones. The surf-instro community needs more groups like you to reform and remind people from whence they came. How can you knock a group with a URL like www.speakerrepair.com/varatones, which is a nod to its roots and a testament to its enduring legacy?

 

Fair warning- if you have a surfboard in hand, and if this music is played loud, the jetty is subject to high surf.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck 

May 29, 2000

Tracks:

01. Surf Blaster 

02. Over The Edge 

03. El Sereno

04. Invasion Of The V-People 

05. Midnight In Mazatlan 

06. The Jetty 

07. Rendezvous Run 

08. Vara-Tone Stomp 

09. Varafied

10. Repeto 2000 

11. Sunset At The Wedge

12. Groo-V-Chicken

13. Drumbox 

14. Repeto ('64) 

Island-Surf Instrumental Review: Miles Corbin - Sounds From The Tiki Hut

Miles Corbin is best known for his contributions as lead guitarist for The Aqua Velvets, an instrumental surf group. He released his solo album Sounds From The Tiki Hut in 1999.

Bandmate Michael Lindner was a special consultant on this ambitious project, keeping the Aqua Velvet’s elemental musical tides flowing.

The Kahunabud performs on the Maui log drum, Selim Nibroc plays the Moroccan bongo, and Juan Amoratima performs percussion duties. As you can see, Corbin assembled quite a varied group of seasoned musicians in the studio for this session.

The only song that sounded like the Aqua Velvets was the last track, “Trail to Magic Falls.” Everything else sounds fresh and different.

What I noticed straight away was the simplicity and enchantment of the music. This isn’t like the lush, layered arrangements he plays on his regular gig; these are bare bones and stripped-down numbers. The drums lull you into a hypnotic daze, and the guitar will keep you going along for the ride. As pictured on the cover…it’s like sitting on the beach and playing your guitar to the sounds of the surf. Much like it’s depicted on the cover, the music is the romance of the beach in a beautiful island setting. It’s not hard to picture clear blue tropical water, sandy white beaches, and warm breezes when you listen to music so picture perfect.

How can you miss with alluring titles like “Sister Moonlight,” “Indian Summer,” and “Enchanted Island”?

The titles of the songs give you a hint of what lies in the story, and then the music paints the picture on the island canvas in your mind.  This isn’t surf music, so I call it Island Surf-Instrumental. The music stands alone waiting for a partner… it wants you to dive in, drown yourself in the salty air, and feel the ripples of musical delight brush against your senses and engage your imagination.

Grab your suntan lotion and coconut with your drink of choice and enjoy this beautiful music. Paradise awaits your beck and call…

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
May 23, 2001

Tracks:

01. Tiki Hut  

02. Coconut Syrup Daydream Skies   

03. Sister Moonlight  

04. Indian Summer   

05. Quintana Roo  

06. Enchanted Island  

07. Beats Around The Bush

08. Kahuna  

09. California Slack  

10. Trail To Magic Falls