Slacktone is Dave Wronski (Guitar), Dusty Watson (Drums), and Sam Bolle (Bass).
If you are a long-term surf instrumental fan or new to the community, you have likely heard of this band. Their status is legendary. I don't say that lightly; they earned their seat among the genre's innovators long ago.
Colorado Instrumental Fanzine has made its mark as a publication and is now a full-fledged label releasing special vinyl releases.
This 7” Translucent Black Splatter vinyl has two monster tracks on it. “Wave Wrecker/Claptrap” is a return of the “mighty” Slacktone! They do not deviate from their core sound, which should satisfy listeners and followers of the band’s work. It's all here: twang, reverb, the rapid picking runs, the pounding rhythms of the bass and drums, and transitions galore.
“Wave Wrecker” begins with a pleasant riff, then goes straight into tremolo and pounding bass and drums. It quickly transitions back and forth, then morphs into rhythmic sweet bliss from the guitar. This is what I always loved about this band: the mixture of slower, tasteful tempos, then the switch to explosive runs. Their rhythm and timing are impeccable and always full of immense energy. One second short of 3 minutes and jam-packed with surf instrumental delights!
“Claptrap” is a real banger! Right out of the gate, they are rockin’ with the tastefulness only they can command. This band rocks with a lot of color and amazing transitions that keep you glued to the speakers. This track has heavier bass than Side A, and it emphasizes non-stop energy that hits you at hyperspeed. Only finely honed skills can pull that off, and they make it all sound like a walk in the park.
For longtime fans, this release is a welcome return reminder of why Slacktone’s name carries so much weight in the surf instrumental world. Here’s hoping these two electrifying tracks are just the beginning, and that a full-length album is on the horizon.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
Originally Published: November 10, 2000
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