Saturday, May 3, 2025

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



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