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)