Label: Double Crown
Supergroup Camaraderie
Meets First-Time Vinyl Splendor
Ferenc Dobronyi’s self-titled recording was originally released in 2008, and it is now available on vinyl for the first time. This is a very limited pressing of only 150 copies and will certainly disappear rapidly. Ferenc’s legacy goes back many years to his days with Pollo Del Mar. This configuration of their maiden voyage features many well-known musicians from the surf instrumental community (credits listed below). This must have been a lot of fun to record; the spirit of camaraderie brought together a literal supergroup.
The colorful artwork by John Detrich mirrors the sixties monster hot rod and rat fink art that was so popular. This is the finishing touch to this retro surf platter.
“Amber Waves” opens things up with some quick riffing that sounds like a great rock song, then quickly transitions into surf instro with some fine reverb and twang. If you are looking for that perfect wave to catch right away, this is it. It's an excellent way to kick things off with a ton of energy!
“Ewa on the Beach” has a mellower approach and sound, featuring ample amounts of surfy twang. This one also has that smooth, “island” first-wave sound I like so much. The fast guitar playing here is highly impressive.
“Teke Teke Teke” has that classic “in the tank” twang that emerged in the '60s and took hold. This is traditional surf instro done very well! There is a cool “walking” bass line at times that transitions beautifully with the guitars' voyages. The drums are up to the challenge here as well. Toward the end, the guitar pulls off some amazing movements.
“Finito Bandito” brings the spaghetti western style into focus—one of the subgenres that many listeners love. The rhythms are steady, the guitars are crystal clear, and stinging, poignant leads hold the atmosphere in place as imagery emerges in your subconscious. Awesome guitar playing!
“A Man Called Dirt” is a great title. It sounds like a movie where the lead character is a villain and someone like Clint Eastwood or John Wayne brings them to justice. It is deeply cinematic and filled with colorful bursts of energy from the guitars.
“Magyara” continues that cinematic energy, this time with a strong Latin influence baked in. If you recognize one of the guitars besides Ferenc, you are paying attention; you can hear the unmistakable tone of Ivan Pongracic. This is a little over two minutes of instrumental nirvana!
“Pumpin' Surfing Stance” (not on the vinyl version, just the Bandcamp download) takes off immediately with a quick burst of guitar before switching it up to a more melodic transition. Note the play on words? It's a little "pomp and circumstance," surf style. The guitar's tremolo is outstanding, and the track ends with an exclamation point.
“No Surf Today” is a gorgeous track with soft passages and rapid picking in the background to enhance the lead guitar’s notes. It carries a distinct melancholy because, let's face it, having no surfing is a total bummer. This track perfectly showcases the diversity of surf instrumental music and its ability to produce shimmering layers of sound when all the instruments play with restraint, focusing entirely on the imagery being created.
“The Raven” kicks the energy up another level with a thumping bass and crashing cymbals leading the way. Here, the guitar reaches back into the tank to produce that classic sound we all know and love. The melodic guitar notes fly by alongside some cool pedal effects. This is my favorite so far—a constant toe-tapper with a driving rhythm that is just perfect.
“Little Woman, Big Dog” begins with the drums by the incomparable Dusty Watson, then the bass and guitar jump right in. This one is a straight-ahead rocker with many guitar transitions. If you have a penchant for garage rock with a touch of '60s frat-style shouting, you will love this one.
“Johnny Fool” delivers nonstop rhythms while the guitar traverses all kinds of sonic territory, including some superb twang and tremolo. It is irresistibly moving and catchy, with a bottom end as solid as a rock—per the usual throughout these tracks.
“Full Nelson” keeps you on your toes as the album takes yet another direction. Smooth, restrained guitar notes lead the way alongside a carnival-like organ. The guitar takes off later as the drums and bass follow, navigating many changes and even a brief drum solo.
On “Drop Dead,” you may notice another distinct guitar sound from Dave Wronski on one side of the equation while Ferenc continues to perform with blazing speed and accuracy. This track is more rock-oriented than surf, but it's very good if you like to rock out and appreciate excellent guitar work.
“Snakes and Ladders” brings back the superb tremolo, this time adding a trumpet for a fresh layer. There is a bit of a Tijuana Brass feel because of the horns; however, the guitar still flat-out rocks through several transitions. It's surf rock with twists and turns, and it is most excellent!
“Ice Station Echo” slows things down for the finale. Tasteful guitar licks pair with tribal drumbeats and a relentless bass. Ultra-fast picking and pinpoint leads fill the air, making for a beautiful and cinematic ending to this musical movie!
Frankie and The Pool Boys offer an outstanding journey through surf instrumental music, seamlessly blending powerful guitar work with gentle, atmospheric melodies. Ferenc Dobronyi and his talented guests showcase the full range of the genre, ensuring listeners experience both its energy and eclectic artistry at its finest.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
June 30, 2026
Originally Published: May 2025
Credits:
Ferenc
Dobronyi– Electric, Baritone & Acoustic Guitars, Melodica, Bass on 1, 16
Dusty
Watson– Drums, vocal on "Little woman, Big Dog"
Jeff
Turner– Bass
Jono
Jones– Guitar on 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12
Tony
Bologna– Percussion on 4, 5, 9, 13
Karen
Dobronyi– Keyboards on 3, 5, 13
Featuring:
Bob
Spaulding– Wiggly guitar on “Fugitive”
Ivan
Pongracic– Right side lead guitar on “Magyara”
Mel
Waldorf– Tag lead guitar on “No Surf Today”
Shigeo
Naka– Lead guitar on “Lil’ Woman, Big Dog”
Dave
Wronski– Right side lead guitar on “Drop Dead”
Danny
Snyder– Trumpet on “Snakes & Ladders”
Cover
art by John Detrich
Produced
and Recorded by Ferenc Dobronyi at Rancho Cielo
Mixed
and Mastered by Gary Mankin at Knob & Tube
All
songs written by Ferenc Dobronyi C & P 2008 Ferocious Doberman Music
BMI/Vulnavia’s Ride Music BMI and administered by Bug Music
Except
"Pumpin' Surfing Stance" by Elgar, public domain, arrangement C &
P 2008 Ferocious Doberman Music BMI/Vulnavia’s Ride Music BMI and administered
by Bug Music
"Fugitive"
by Lou/Josie- Little Darlin' Music, BMI
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