Surf Instro Review: Fifty Foot Combo-“Strike!” The Early Years (1994-2000)

Remember the days when a 7” vinyl single was a cherished part of our daily lives? Those were the days. Now, it’s a rare gem, a collector’s item that instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia, especially with the rise of cassettes and CDs in music stores. (Keep in mind I wrote this 24 years ago!)

Fifty Foot Combo, a band that has been making waves in the music scene for the past six years, released several 7” singles. For loyal fans and followers who missed out on those rare vinyl finds, it’s all put together on “Strike!” The Early Years (1994-2000). It is also available on a vinyl LP (13 tracks). Yes, sir, twenty tracks of surf-instro with oomph.

Fifty Foot Combo, with their unique blend of the traditional surf sound, rock, and the third wave of instro sound, stands out in the music industry. When most people think about this kind of music, they tend to assume that it’s one-dimensional. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

What this group unequivocally proves is that surf-instro is a genre as versatile as any other. Just look at the myriad of sub-genres that have sprouted from (some) of the simplistic three-chord instrumental music of the sixties. This diversity truly tells the story. When a musical genre can spawn such a variety of sounds, it’s a testament to its versatility.

Surf-spy, Dick Dale Middle Eastern staccato riffs, modern rock, and traditional surf sounds will permeate the air when this CD is played. Each time you listen, you are bound to notice the subtle changes and colorful tones in each track. It’s not complicated, it’s pure and straightforward, just like the neo-surf culture that lives in and around the music.

Fifty Foot Combo is a force to be reckoned with, brothers and sisters. Witness the sheer height and power of their musical waves.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 22, 2001

Tracks:

01. Evil Walks In 

02. Italian Fuzz  

03. Movin’  

04. Pygmee Dance  

05. The Legend Of Hanau Eepe   

06. SL 54 Automatic   

07. Jack The Ripper (live)

08. SL 54 Automatic (live) 

09. Everybody Up!  

10. Spanish Hully Gully   

11. 4 Devils 1 Hell  

12. Tomahawk  

13. Taboo  

14. Shark Attack

15. Jerry Tibbs Amazing Discovery  

16. Betty’s Twist  

17. The Victor  

18. In Search For Montgomery  

19. Down At Irvings  

20. Titanic Tins