Surf Instrumental Holiday Review: Agent Octopus-Christmas On The Pier EP

 Release Date: December 17, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

Is it always a good time to hear Christmas music? Well, maybe for some folks. If you enjoy surf instrumental music and some seasonal favorites done with the surf flair and color, then you are in luck.

Agent Octopus is sure to cure those winter blues and the bah-humbugs with their Christmas On The Pier 4-track EP.

“Christmas on the Pier” instantly creates a light, airy atmosphere with soft tones and resonant notes. The rhythm section is right on cue, and the rhythm guitar is an added layer. Keyboards are the final ingredient in making this a complete track of snowy joy.

“Surf Child of Light (Silent Night)” is the twangiest “Silent Night” tribute you may have yet to hear. Many of its transitions stand out while preserving the core melody. The guitars have a resonant tone that captures the holiday spirit. Kind of like rockin’ around the Christmas tree fun! Excellent musicianship, as I have come to expect from this band.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy” is an interesting one as it starts off with a “Secret Agent Man” riff, then quickly transforms into their own unique blend of tasty traditional treats. Halfway through, what’s that I hear? The James Bond theme? This band often includes short tributes in their songs, which I always appreciate.

“O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)” closes this EP with a solid stretch at 4:03. Not your typical surf-instrumental workout, but then none of these tracks are. But that is the point here: present some traditional holiday music that still appeals to their audience. Very tasteful guitar lines are laid down as the bass and drums are quietly doing their job in the background to let the six-string magic take hold.

Whether you’re still bundled up in the snowy Northeast or soaking up the sun somewhere warm, these surf-inspired holiday tracks can transport you right back to the festive season. It’s easy to imagine swapping snow boots for flip-flops and celebrating Christmas with sand between your toes. No matter where you are, Agent Octopus proves that surf-instrumental music brings holiday cheer all year round.

Credits:

Art Svrjcek - lead/rhythm guitars/keys on 3 & 4

Jim Colby - bass/rhythm guitars

Jason Mendelson - additional guitars on Christmas on the Pier

Mike Jarjoura - keyboards on Christmas on the Pier

Drums - Gio Maucieri & Jason Deatherage

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 16, 2026

Tracks:

1. Christmas on the Pier 02:40

2. Surf Child of Light (Silent Night) 03:52

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy 02:39

4. O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) 04:03

Surf Instrumental Review: Agent Octopus-Blue Eyed Surf

 Release Date: September 7, 2019

Label: Independent

Website

Over six years ago, Agent Octopus arrived on the surf instro scene. Blue Eyed Surf began a string of impressive releases, cementing their place in the community.

“Cape Fear” begins this eleven-track journey of fun in the sun. Their retro sound captivates your senses from the start. This is guitar-driven music. Three members contributed. The echoing notes flow, while the bass and drums hold down the backend nicely.

"Ghost Orchid" offers a mellow contrast to the opening track. Clocking in at 3:13, it features warm, resonant guitar sections that create an atmospheric effect, drawing the listener into its soundscape.

"Blue Eyed Surf" refers to its cover art, with island sounds and steady bass and drums supporting a guitar that evokes gentle waves on the shore.

"King Kong’s Revenge!" signals a tempo change at once. With notable work, guitars are taking various directions, growing more aggressive midway through. The hooks are catchy and memorable, reinforcing the track’s bold character.

"Sleeping With The Fishes" returns to mellow tones and thoughtful guitar parts. The bass is more prominent here, while cymbals and drums maintain an effective, supporting rhythm.

"Avalon" continues the band’s steady rhythmic flow. Surf influences continue as the group transitions between tempos. Bass and drums provide a strong foundation, allowing lead guitar lines to shine and exemplifying the group’s consistent rhythmic interplay.

Continuing, “Moonlight Over Mavericks” gently highlights the guitars’ soft touch, restraint, and tastefulness. There are moments when the guitar does a little staccato-like dance and then goes back into the more stretched-out leads.

“The Theme to the “Sun Chasers" reminded me fondly of what The Ventures would do covering themes to TV shows or movies. This is a bright sound, with a strong bass effect. It moves along quickly from start to finish. They do it all so well and are tightly knit with their instruments, using them to their fullest potential.

"Sandy Point" evokes a beach scene through expressive guitar and a solid rhythm section. This slower track uses their finite instrumental textures to evoke a scenic atmosphere, demonstrating the band’s ability to set a mood.

"Baby Octopus Walk" introduces a funkier rhythm, with Latin influences and familiar melodic elements, expanding on the album’s diverse range.

“Sleeping With The Fishes Too” closes the album by showcasing the band’s melodic strengths and cohesive sound. The shimmering guitars and well-crafted atmosphere provide a fitting conclusion to the track list, leaving a lasting impression.

Blue Eyed Surf continues to sound fresh regardless of the passing of time. Great music always holds its value, and Agent Octopus’s debut highlights their many talents.

Credits:

Jim Colby - Bass, Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards

Art Svrjcek - Lead & Rhythm Guitars,

Piano (Sandy Point), Bass (Blue Eyed Surf)

Bill Bates - Rhythm Guitars

Drums - Lew Bobbitt & Jeremy Carlson

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 27, 2026

Tracks:

01. Cape Fear 02:53 

02. Ghost Orchid 3:13

03. Blue Eyed Surf 2:39

04. King Kong's Revenge! 2:37

05. Sleeping With The Fishes 3:13

06. Avalon 3:11

07. Moonlight Over Mavericks 2:58

08. The Theme to the "Sun Chasers" 2:42

09. Sandy Point 3:25

10. Baby Octopus Walk 2:35

11. Sleeping With The Fishes Too 2:47

Surf Instrumental Review: Agent Octopus-SURF! MONSTER! SURF!!

 Release Date: October 16, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Agent Octopus is an indie surf band based in Florida. They are influenced by Euro-Slavic song structures and 60’s - 80’s surf pioneers. As the band states on their Bandcamp page, they consistently push traditional surf out of its comfort zone.

Their six-track EP SURF! MONSTER! SURF!! was released prior to Halloween 2025.

“Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman” gets the spook fest started. The howling is heard in the background as the guitar begins a slow step before exploding into colorful sounds that make the scenery real and exciting as you imagine the two creatures facing off. Midway, a transition occurs, with more subtle, tasteful licks, the surf sound intact, while keeping the horror atmosphere alive. Then some tremolo picking to finish it off.

“Alchemy of the Creature” features the familiar, haunting keys that provide the intro layer to set the mood. The guitars are taking form with layers of intricacies that make them come alive. Then a quick step back for some sharp leads as the rhythms are well placed to move it all along. The guitars blend with the bass, drums, and keys, reaching a crescendo of sound!

“The Haunting Sea (The Bride’s Theme...)” begins like a slow burner, waltzing into the unknown dangers of sea and all the ghosts that remain there. The guitar’s beauty shines here even though the subject matter is creepy as hell! Fine musicianship is consistent throughout these tracks. The feeling I got was a “Sleepwalk”- type instrumental.

“March of the Dead Surfers - Halloween Mix” continues with our atmospheric creep show. The drums and bass take off as the guitars engage them into bursts of energy and blasts of tremolo for more effect. Irresistible rhythms and hooks abound! The surfers may be dead, but this band is so alive with reverb and surfy sounds resonating throughout. The sound of waves washes over as the dead surfers march…

“Ghost of Tom Returns” opens with an introduction from a woman named Melody. At a medium tempo, the guitars lay the groundwork for that creepy organ sound to enter the mix. The feeling of trepidation envelops you as the music takes you there. Picturesque and believable!

“March of the Dead Surfers (Bonus)” is a revisit, but a faster tempo takes hold, and the guitar takes its place once again as the driving force of all this music. The supporting positions are strong as they have been throughout. The transitions on lead guitar are exceptional, shifting the mood from exciting to foreboding. Well done!

Agent Octopus Presents SURF! MONSTER! SURF!! will be a fine addition to any surf instro collection.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 14, 2026

Credits:

Lead & Rhythm Gtrs - Art Svrjcek

Bass & Add'l Gtrs - Jim Colby

Drums - Dennis Holt

Keyboards - Art Svrjcek

Farfisa - Mike

Add'l Gtrs - Wes Fleming (Haunting Sea and Night of the Dead Surfers)

Vocals - Melody (Ghost of Tom Returns)

Drums - Gio Maucieri (Ghost of Tom Returns)

Tracks:

1. Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman 02:31

2. Alchemy of the Creature 03:19

3. The Haunting Sea (The Bride's Theme...) 03:53 

4. March of the Dead Surfers - Halloween Mix 03:33

5. Ghost of Tom Returns 03:21

6. March of the Dead Surfers (Bonus) 03:15