Label: Independent
The Von Dwells are from Portland, Oregon, and have released their debut self-titled EP. The first thing that grabs you is the classic hot rod monster art. This is a reach back to when this all started back in the 60s. The use of black and white is meant to draw your attention to all the activity.
This band has a decidedly Halloween feel to its concept and sound, and it gets it done with plenty of skill and energy.
"Meatball Flag" kicks off with a sound reminiscent of the start of an exciting or risky movie scene. It is a great way to kick off this EP with a lot of energy and power, and some quick transitions to downtempo then back again.
“Firestorm” ups the ante on sustained energy with a fuzz guitar sound and the relentless bottom end pushing things along. Mid-point, it changes dramatically to a mellowed-out, sunny-beach sound, then, as quickly as that transitions, it jumps back into the original frenetic pace and starts rocking again. This is a fine surf instro track!
The song “Last Ride of the Damned” continues with heavy fuzz tones, very cool drums, and bongo sounds. You figure this should have a touch of evil, given the title. They succeed in maintaining that heavy sound from beginning to end. This is a killer track, a real rocker, and Davie Allan would be proud!
“Bananas Foster” features the legendary Evan Foster (Boss Martians etc.) on rhythm guitar. Evan is one of those guys who, for several decades, has been making great music with different bands and has had a hand in the success of other groups like The Von Dwells. This is a classic tremolo guitar run reminiscent of the first wave.
“Exit 13” sounds like a boding of what is to come, and it isn’t good! The music reflects that sentiment with an organ that gives it the necessary air of mystery and horror, right around the corner after taking that fateful exit to hell. Constant energy flows as the instruments’ power and excitement are once again highlighted in this track.
“Warlock Walk” finishes things up with more fuzz tone and powerful bass and drums kicking in for that guitar to take off again. An impressive amount of energy and precision is the modus operandi here, as it was in all the previous tracks, and an excellent way to end this exciting debut just as it started, with a flair for non-stop energy and the surf instro sound extraordinaire!
The Von Dwells have a great start into the surf instrumental world with a fine debut recording. They do not waste one second of their time and give all their energy and talent to every track. Even though this was just a taste, it will get you salivating for more once you hear it!
Credits:
Guitar:
Grant Von Dwell
Bass:
Rob Von Dwell
Drums and Percussion: Rick Von Dwell
Additional
Musicians:
Mel
Woodhavens - Rhythm guitar on "Meatball Flag" and gang vocal on
"Last Ride of the Damned"
Evan
Foster - Rhythm guitar on "Bananas Foster"
Dave
Klein - Organ on "Exit 13"
Tien
Doan - gang vocal on "Last Ride of the Damned"
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
January 25, 2026
Tracks:
1. Meatball Flag 02:41
2. Firestorm 03:00
3. Last Ride of the Damned 03:17
4. Bananas Foster 01:50
5. Exit 13 02:43
6. Warlock Walk 02:39
No comments:
Post a Comment