Release Date: August 1, 2025
Label: Deep Eddy Records
Ted James, the lead guitarist, is the driving force behind the
band’s energy, with his label and website serving as a vibrant hub for surf
instro music and more. David Escamilla (bass) and George Pestana (drums)
complete this dynamic and electrifying group.
The EP’s theme, as you might expect, is race cars. The Nematoads
have masterfully integrated this theme into their music, creating an immersive
and engaging sonic experience that resonates with the listener.
“Difference Engine” kicks things off. The sound of revving
engines and fast-paced rockin’ surf gets the party started. I noticed right
away that the guitar sounded a bit low in the mix and needed to be boosted in
volume. Perhaps this was the design of recording it that way.
Even so, we are off to a great start with some brief tremolo,
then rapid transitions back to the harder-edged riffing. There is your standard
reverb placed in the piece, and one super-fast run up the frets for some added spice.
The drums and bass are on cruise control as they enter the pits to change some
tires (move on to the next track), as the other racers go whizzing by.
“Armadillo Races” begins with a drum roll, and we are back on
the track racing. You would think it may be a bit slower when thinking about
that animal, but twangy licks with superb surf/spy sound enter your atmosphere.
I liked the brief sustain on the guitar. Some heavy riffs are peppered
throughout this trip around the track. The echoing guitars bring it to a
fitting end.
“Squid Racer” demonstrates how reverb can take center stage and
add that definitive surf instro stamp to your music. Some melodicism is evident
here, accompanied by some nicely placed crashing cymbals. Lots of reverb is
soaked in, too, in passages with a notable bass line. This music remains
transitory, offering the listener a wealth of enjoyment within a single track.
The reverberating guitar closes the track.
4 is the track with the excessively long title and very short
run. The title is a playful nod to the band’s love for both music and racing,
as it mirrors the quick, intense experience of a race. Here, it’s only the
drums and bass having some fun as cars go flying by, accompanied by a crash
sound, sirens, and the end.
The Difference Engine is jam-packed with The Nematoads, who give everything they have at their disposal to create a very colorful and entertaining EP. They provide a classic surf sound, modified by rock and hot rod sound effects, and they do it their way with distinction.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
July
25, 2025
Tracks:
1. Difference Engine
2. Armadillo Races
3. Squid Racer
4. The Track George Doesn't Like Because He Doesn't Like the Sound of Car Crashes, David Thinks is OK Because He's OK with Car Crash Sounds in Songs, and Ted Came Up with the Idea so He Probably Likes It
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