Label: Independent
The Surf Hermits Jam!! Volume 1 is an album of Surf Hermits tunes featuring special guests trading off with Jason Deatherage over brand new original songs and some great guitarists from all over the international surf scene including special guests Sam Williams, Sys Malakian, Arno De Cea, Rodd Keen, Mark Nicol, Chris Stewart, Max Gonzo, Sean Eddy, Jim Colby, and The Breakers (Members of The Breakers, Underwater Bosses, The Surf Junkies, Agent Octopus, Black Valley Moon, Sys Malakian, The Angry Red Planet, S.H.A.R.P., The Eddys, and Arno De Cea).
All songs written, performed, and produced by Jason Deatherage.
“Sayulita Swell - feat. Sys Malakian" gets things going clean, and crips leads from the guitar. This is a smooth rocker with resonating twang throughout. The rhythm section is tight as the guitar navigates its many transitions. Lots of hooks and rhythms. Some nice tremolo comes in as you are heading towards the end. The perfect track to get this started.
"A Tower In The Distance - feat. Rodd Keen" is a change of scenery with an island in the sun, relaxed like tempo. Tasteful guitar licks, with acoustic strumming in the background, set the pace, along with the drums and bass. Some fine lead lines are featured here, then around three-quarters of the way in, the volume rises with another layer of instrumental voices as the lead really takes off into a great solo, then it fades out. One of the longer, more complex cuts.
“To Fall From The Kingdom Of Air - feat. Arno de Cea” brings you back to a faster tempo and more traditional surf rock sounds. Twang works well here, with explosive transitions that keep the excitement high. Then, as you head three-quarters of the way in, it really takes off with some serious guitar jamming with effects and fireworks. It goes from a surf instro to a full-on rocker.
“The Town Without A Frown - feat. Sean Eddy” is a classic surf instro sound with crisp guitar runs and the rapid backend featuring some equally fast drum rolls. It morphs into a first-wave surf rock sound with all the trimmings. Then there is (what sounds like) the Eddie Van Halen finger-tapping technique, which was a surprise. Excellent and bursting with unrestrained energy!
“Hurricane Watch - feat. Sam Williams” is what you would anticipate with what the title would suggest. A driving rhythm from the bottom end and the resonating notes. This is the kind of surf instro that got my attention many years ago. As soon as that thought entered my mind, it changed into something else. More layers of guitars are merged with a fuller sound, and the tempos get higher as the lead continues through all kinds of transitions. Then it gradually fades out.
“Shark Salad - feat. Max Gonzo” begins with a reggae guitar, then switches to a rocker, then back again. This is one of the more interesting tracks for differentiating between genres. It really takes off eventually, with some guitar runs and a locomotive drum-and-bass behind it all. It is surely a tasty salad and a great appetizer for any surf instro meal you may be having.
“Laser Brain - feat. Chris Stewart” is a real toe tapper with some tremolo bursts and pinpoint leads done well. A strumming guitar provides the perfect partner for the lead to stand out. It’s the rhythms that catch your ear, and that includes the lead guitar work. Laser-like guitar right to your brain, as the title would suggest. I loved the way it ended and faded out.
“Return To The Valley - feat. Jim Colby” takes you into some different scenery and a more laid-back pace. Think bluesy licks with a picturesque landscape entering your mind’s eye. Lead guitar is fantastic with a steady strumming acoustic behind it (which I always find important), while the bass and drums are restrained enough to hold their own without overpowering the focus. This is one of the most atmospheric and beautifully layered tracks on the recording.
“Dropping In - feat The Breakers” is entirely different from all the previous tracks because of the way it starts. The drums kick in, then horns, and suddenly it switches right over to a rocker. All the while this is happening, and right from the start, the bass is killer. Some slick guitar work is going on here with some cool effects. The longest track at 4:45, and it does not waste a second; they bring all their powerful talents to bear. The saxophone makes an appearance, giving it a first wave, early-60s touch. This was a great track, a continuation of the previous track’s longevity and superior musicianship.
“Telegraph Beach - feat. Mark Nicol” winds up this incredible instrumental mix. This one is another real rocker, with a guitar that explodes with colorful transient lines, while the drums and bass are solid. I heard a touch of western flair in an almost spaghetti-western way. This is a great way to finalize all this music. It takes you rockin’ with the music resonating and reverberating in your ears after it’s all done.
The Surf Hermits Jam!! Volume 1 stands as one of the most exhilarating and memorable albums I’ve experienced this year—a testament to the electrifying heights surf music can reach when world-class musicians unite. This record isn’t just a showcase of talent; it’s a rallying cry for the genre, demanding the wider recognition it so clearly deserves.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
March 3, 2026
Tracks:
01. Sayulita Swell - feat. Sys Malakian 3:52
02. A Tower In The Distance - feat. Rodd Keen 4:09
03. To Fall From The Kingdom Of Air - feat. Arno de Cea 3:03
04. The Town Without A Frown - feat. Sean Eddy 3:34
05. Hurricane Watch - feat. Sam Williams 3:05
06. Shark Salad - feat. Max Gonzo 4:03
07. Laser Brain - feat. Chris Stewart 3:33
08. Return To The Valley - feat. Jim Colby 4:18
09. Dropping In - feat The Breakers 4:44
10. Telegraph Beach - feat. Mark Nicol 4:02
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