Surf, Horror, and High-Energy Instrumentals!
Monster Wave is a staple in the Western North Carolina indie scene. They frequently perform at local Asheville-area venues (such as Eda's Hide-a-Way) and host thematic live events, including their annual Halloween show, Frankenbash.
The Rise of Monster Wave is their first full-length release: a 15-track album featuring reimagined versions of earlier tracks alongside fresh originals and horror covers.
“The Legend of Sir Cophagus” gets things rolling with the sound of waves and the gradual explosion of guitars, bass, drums, and a ghastly laugh to put you in horror mode. This is a real ripper with some great guitar effects and a driving rhythm section. Smokin’ hot surf rock!
“Lighthouse Lagoon” steps it back with more traditional, mellowed-out sounds. Twang and reverb deluxe, with plenty of hooks, melody, great rhythm, and some tasty keys.
“The Thing From Voodoo Island” follows the continuity of the previous tracks with mellower tones. The guitar is tasteful, with the whirling retro organ rolling along to add more flavor. It changes tempo with a bass line and tinkling cymbal; the organ steps out front for the spotlight. It gathers some steam and closes out in a flourish.
“The Sinister Stare of the Surfing Sultan” begins with chilling words and goes straight into twang and reverb, peppered with that Farfisa organ sound. Then the direction suddenly shifts, filling the atmosphere with foreboding. Then it shifts again with a big drum solo, coming full circle with that guitar line that creates mystery and intrigue. Complex and entertaining.
“Breakbone Break” starts calm, then kicks into overdrive with rapid guitar picking, before returning to the opening melody. The subtle organ adds ambiance. Every track is an extraordinary example of a band that can shift tempo within a single track.
“Pazuzu Luau” opens with a booming drum and crashing cymbals, then the guitar comes in with a gallop before immediately shifting to an entirely different melody. This one is different, with a rockin’ retro feel. The layers are excellent and so powerful, with the guitar cutting loose and going full blast, and the bottom end answers the call. The pull-back into different transitions sets you up for the harder-rocking stretches. The organ does its best Theremin imitation for effect. This is one of my favorites.
“Im-Ho-Tep Two-Step” is a reach back to calmer surf intro sounds of yesteryear. The drums and bass sound perfect, with a subtle oomph to complement those twangy guitar lines. The organ is a great addition here, too. Their sense of melody is strong from track to track.
“Phantom Board” brings back the horror-themed motif. The organ drives hard, the rhythm section is strong again, and the guitar punctuates the transitions nicely. Powerful rocker with cool bass lines that intermittently stand out. Love this!
“Attack of the Vampire Mermaids” has rhythms and melodies so plentiful right from the start. I remember this one from the last EP; what a great track title! The organ sounds like a synth here, so it feels entirely different. Irresistible toe-tapper with some rocking parts! 90% rock, 10% surf.
“R.I.P. Curl” opens with a sinister bass line, then the guitar twang matches it for more atmosphere. It feels like a spy-vs.-spy James Bond thing, but the horror effect is in full bloom, signaled by the danger of the ocean's waves. Excellent atmosphere. Surfer beware!
“Beyond The Reef” picks up the pace considerably across the band. The organ perfectly complements the guitar’s twangy low end and transitional lines. The drums and bass are potent here, and the changes come at you fast and furious. Cool distinctive effects add to the overall mix.
“Dance With Me, Herman” has that in-the-tank surf-guitar sound, as the organ creates a Halloween dance with the devil. The subtle bottom end lets the guitar and organ take the floor as they trade parts. In your mind’s eye, you can see the dancers; is it Herman Munster?
“Gho Gho Ghosts” is yet another major switch in sound and tempo. It sounds very retro and is perfectly paced; underneath, the drums, bass, and organ make the lead guitar so bright. Then there is a wild change halfway through as it morphs into an entirely different song: they count off 1, 2, 3, 4 and launch into an all-out rocker. Then they retreat into yet another tempo back to where they started. Crazy transitions, but it always works!
“Caltiki” is their peak of musicianship on display, clocking in at a massive 4:56. This one is a real rocker, with surf tones around the edges as the guitar reaches into rock territory, then back to twang and reverb. The organ adds another layer. Everything they have to offer comes together on this one track. Yep, this one totally kicks ass!
“Ali Baba” wraps up this surf rock story with maximum energy, the kind you've come to expect throughout this album. We go into mystical hyperdrive here as the guitar screams with tremolo and the bass and drums sound like the juggernaut they have proven to be. This is a great, high-energy closer, serving as a final reminder of all the power this band can muster.
The Rise of Monster Wave showcases the band’s versatility and creativity across all fifteen tracks. Each song finds its place within the surf-instrumental landscape, while the band skillfully balances the genre’s lighter melodies and darker moods. This album is a bold declaration that Monster Wave has truly arrived.
- Casey Willis: Guitar and Bass
- Joel Shuman: Bass and Guitar
- Lee Rubenstein: Drums
- Ryan Grisso: Keyboard and Guitar
Originally Published: January 30, 2026
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
Surf Music and Art Founder
September 29, 2026
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