Release Date: August 23, 2026
Pacific Northwest Twang Meets Classic Surf
JJ Haaga is an independent singer-songwriter and instrumentalist based in Bend, Oregon. He is best known for his modern surf rock, instrumental guitar tracks, and Western-tinged folk compositions, often inspired by the Pacific Northwest landscape.
Between Places is a four-track EP and his third release. The artwork catches your eye immediately, and that is always a good thing.
“AE86” opens the record with soft, flowing sounds. This is mellow surf instrumental music with some twang and melody. A relaxing walk on the beach…
“Pacific Static” immediately sounds retro with a melody pulled from some classic first wave. The tempo quickens and shifts into another sound, then circles back to the opening.
“Afterburn” reaches into the tremolo that the genre is known for. It features smooth transitions into guitar runs. The twang with a western flair comes into focus. Lots of variable guitar work on display on this track.
“Silver Dollar Road” maintains the western thematic approach. The atmospheric guitar lines make you feel like you are watching classic Spaghetti Western. If that was the intent, then this is a successful recording.
Between Places showcases a bright future for JJ Haaga. While the bottom end occasionally feels thin, the drums and bass could use more punch, and the final production could use more clarity; these are easy to address in future projects. With his talent for expressive guitar work and melodies, Haaga is poised to craft even more compelling music ahead. There’s every reason to be excited for what comes next.
Credits: Four instrumental songs. JJ Haaga wrote, played, and recorded them. No AI-generated music, just guitars, drums, bass, and imperfections.
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
September 23, 2026
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