Instrumental Review: Toulouse Engelhardt-Music From The Martian Gras

Release Date: June 19, 2026

A Guitar Odyssey Across Genres

Raised in Hermosa Beach, California, Toulouse Engelhardt was immersed in the 1960s West Coast surf rock scene, playing lead guitar in local bands by age 12. As the youngest and final member of the "Takoma Seven"—the influential roster of American Primitive guitar virtuosos assembled by John Fahey—he established his signature style on his 1976 debut album, Toullusions.

Dubbed the "Segovia of Surf," Engelhardt is celebrated for blending rapid-fire 12-string acoustic fingerpicking with classical mechanics, sci-fi themes, and cinematic melodies.

Music From The Martian Gras is his tenth release, combining surf and sci-fi themes. The cover art couldn't be more colorful or eye-catching; it perfectly captures the vibrant music you are about to hear.

“Come Back to Earth with Me Princess Davana” starts with a spacey intro, and then the guitar gently arrives. The bass and drums sit smoothly beneath the guitar's twangy, flowing notes. The background layers are atmospheric and dreamy. Tinkling bells and chimes deepen the overall ambiance. A strumming acoustic guitar adds another melodic layer. This gorgeous piece offers a fine introduction to the artist's instrumental world.

“Tommy's Robot” opens in a quirky way, leaning into the sci-fi theme. Having your own robot is no longer science fiction! The tempo is tempered, and the guitar resonance is well placed. The tones have a definite blues-surf twang as they echo through the air. One of the longer-running tracks on the recording is nicely done. As it winds up, the quirky sounds that started the track return, then it fades out.

“Return to Mare Tranquillitatis” keeps the flow and continuity with the softer layered parts. You can hear different guitars forming their own paths. Here, the sounds stretch out, with some cool resonating effects.

“Roswell Romp” begins with flying-saucer radio-broadcast sightings. It has an interesting, bluesy melody and amazing fingerpicking, with a New Orleans feel and some clarinet chiming in at intervals.

“Above the Magellanic Clouds” is very cinematic, with surf island guitar shimmering and echoing with twang. The guitar hits those high, piercing notes while the drums and bass stay in slow-tempo mode to bring that guitar out more, and then a whoosh of waves sounds off as the piece winds up to close. A beautiful, relaxing walk along a sunny private beach inside your mind.

“Martiantinis” serves up an intergalactic refreshment. The guitar work here is amazing. The drums and bass are perfectly timed as the guitar goes through several transitions and takes on a carnival-like atmosphere at the midpoint.  Not genre-specific, it moves all over the musical map with bursts of energy and color.

“Martian Monsoons Suite” includes “Desolation,” “Coming of the Storm,” and “The Tempest.” Each part takes under two minutes. The total time is seven minutes and ten seconds.  The tempo is deliberate, building in intensity as the guitar shifts from a slow pace to a rapid flourish of notes as the cymbals crash. The piece returns to a slower, more relaxed tempo as the guitar takes yet another road of tones and effects. While covering so much ground and so many transitions, the guitars never lose their hold on you, and effects like pattering raindrops are added. The idea is to emphasize the beauty of the guitar's sound.

“Lubbock Lights” changes direction entirely. The sounds are spacey and echoing, while the bass, drums, and keys provide a beautiful sonic bed. It is ambient and jazz-infused, with many layers merging all at once. An acoustic guitar carries a nice flow and melody as the electric guitar weaves its magic. Atmospheric and moving, with funky, whirling, whistling synth sounds at times, it makes for a fun journey.

“Golden Apple Vacancy” brings things to a close.  The acoustic and electric mesh with resonance and clarity. The music sounds like a jazz-and-surf soundtrack that would fit perfectly into a movie scene. A memorable finish to a grand listening experience featuring a six-string virtuoso.

Music From The Martian Gras stands out as an exceptional instrumental album, seamlessly weaving surf, rock, jazz, and ambient influences into a vibrant tapestry of sound. Engelhardt fully affirms his status as a consummate guitarist, effortlessly traversing genres and showcasing dazzling technique and imagination throughout the record.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

October 3, 2026