Label: Independent
The Terra Surfers conquer nature with their debut EP, Mountain Waves. They are no stranger to the elements, hailing from Colorado Springs.
The cover art is an absolute depiction of surfing mountain style, combining it with their own picturesque view of their surroundings.
Getting you “Nerved Up” sets the mood with some decidedly twangy country-inflected guitar, then switches to a more traditional reverb-inflected surf sound. The bass and drums keep things on track, providing a tight foundation for those beautiful notes to drop. Starting off with a compact, energy-filled rocker was the perfect choice for this 4-track EP.
“Haboob” changes course, and you get the feeling from the track title that you are about to change locations. Suddenly, you are transported to a desert destination thousands of miles away, somewhere in the Middle East. That atmosphere grabs hold of you quickly as you start reminiscing about how the King of Surf Guitar, Dick Dale, sounded at his powerful best. The ebb and flow of the music is fantastic and cinematic. A great track with excellent musicianship from start to finish.
“Solar Vortex” takes you into yet another world as you launch into the mysteries of space and time. This is a sci-fi thriller kind of track. All the traditions of this great music are brought to bear with some fine tremolo from the six-string. A fast mover with some intense playing at all positions. Tight musicians come together for another power-packed punch of surf instro with a science fiction motif.
“Under the Weather” clocks in over four minutes, and it will take you to another world just as all the previous tracks did. This is a slow burn in progress, as the instrumentation showcases these excellent musicians, highlighting their talents and crafting a rock instrumental classic with elegance and measured timing. This is the most atmospheric and dreamy track to close out this very impressive debut.
The Terra Surfers have crafted something rare with Mountain Waves: four distinct journeys that traverse the full spectrum of surf instrumental expression. To conjure vivid imagery through pure instrumentation demands both vision and restraint—qualities this Colorado Springs trio delivers with remarkable economy and precision. This is a debut that doesn’t just promise potential; it announces arrival.
Credits:
Shawn Gavan - Lead Guitar / Primary Songwriter / Producer. (formally of the Michigan based surf/spaghetti western band "Guitar UP!")
Emily Gould - Drums (https://www.facebook.com/emilygoulddrumming/)
Bret Major - Bass (https://www.youtube.com/@bretsbassment)
Mark Utz - Rhythm and Lead Guitar / Songwriter
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art
February
1, 2026
Tracks:
1. Nerved Up 2:32
2. Haboob 3:07
3. Solar Vortex 2:52
4. Under the Weather 4:05
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