Release Date: August 19, 2022
Label: Musick Recordings
Back in 2000, I had the pleasure of covering the original release of An Evening in Nivram-A Tribute to The Shadows. Now, twenty-two years later, a remastered version arrived, complete with newly recorded bonus tracks (although it's been 3 years since its release, it is worth revisiting).
The CD is available in a limited edition with autographs, and the digital version on Bandcamp includes six bonus tracks exclusive to the digital release. This brings the total number of tracks to 29. However, I received the CD version with 22 tracks to listen to and discover. This version includes the 11 bonus tracks that were recorded for the 2022 release.
Now, let’s delve into the bonus tracks I have yet to experience, sparking a sense of anticipation and excitement among us all!
“DANNY AMIS & TWIN TONES – FBI” is the first entry. It starts with a horn and some twangy country-inflected guitar lines. The sound effects are all created using instruments, such as a gun going off, etc. Even though it’s the FBI, it feels more like a spaghetti western track on steroids. It moves right along with energy and atmosphere.
“DRACULINA - JET BLACK” is a familiar tune, and I must say, they’ve done a commendable job in paying homage to the original release. The guitar, as always, takes the spotlight, executed with echoing, twangy reverb, and some superb bass and drums serving as the backbone. It’s a rendition that’s sure to be appreciated by fans of the original.
“THE BOSS MARTIANS - SCOTCH ON THE SOCKS / 36-24-36 (MEDLEY)” will be appreciated by all the rockers out there. The bass and drums kick in as the guitar starts screaming with a wah-wah effect. Some words are inserted like “Going down to see my baby,” with a gruff in the belly style. The guitar really takes off in this composition. This is instrumental rock, but it transitions to a surfier riff in the second half of the medley, with a brief burst of “Tequila” added for flavor. Yes, it cranks!
“THE SPACE COSSACKS - FIND ME A GOLDEN STREET” is the
ultra-talented Ivan Pongracic. Get ready for some tasty guitar licks. Ivan was
strongly influenced by The Shadows thanks to his father playing their music.
And as they say, the rest is history, with all his contributions to the genre.
This was played with love and respect for this music, and not to mention, done
to perfection.
“HYPNOMEN – APACHE” does a great job on this all-time classic. It’s different, with some interesting sound effects courtesy of the guitar. The organ is very retro sounding, making it a perfect fit to accompany their own take on this. Lots of music packed into this one in under four minutes. There is an interesting step away, eventually sounding more blues-oriented and jamming. Very cool guitar licks to put the icing on the cake to finish it off.
“MARTIN CILIA – DIAMONDS” - Martin continues to impress with everything he produces. The sounds are retro with a twangy country sound, and each note reverberates wonderfully. Bass and drums are also key here. Excellent work.
THE MADEIRA - THE FRIGHTENED CITY brings back Ivan again with one of his fabulous bands. Their sound is full and explosive. Guitars are flying on this with different layers and tempos as the drums and bass do a great job of keeping this locomotive musical machine running at top speed. Wow!
“DRACULINA - THE STRANGER” continues to make its mark on surf, rock, and instro genres. The guitars rule once again. The leads are reverberating as the rhythm keeps a steady layer beneath. The drums and bass are strong and provide more than support or embellishment. They are a highlight just as much as the guitars. You will be reminded of the first wave, but with a more modern touch and production that is crisp and biting, yet musically potent, like waves hitting the beach. Superbly done!
“THE TROUBADOURS - THE LOST CITY” kicks right into high gear at the outset. The sound is retro and new at the same time. This is tasteful but rocking enough to turn your head. The drums are killer, pounding away as the bass lays down a solid line. Guitars and reverb!
“WAVE ELECTRIC - WALKIN'” is an Italian band I recently discovered thanks to Musick Recordings boss Art Bourasseau. This is surf rock at a fast gallop. Their energy is non-stop, so pay attention and follow the grooves. They get in the pocket with the bass and drums, as the guitar flies by like a bullet, and then they slow it down and do it tastefully as well. The many phases of their music are something to admire, as well as how they can pack it all into one track.
THE MARTINETS - DON’T MAKE MY BABY BLUE is a step away from everything I have heard until now. A straight-ahead, rocking guitar accompanies vocals. This takes a song and injects it with extra energy, featuring loud and proud guitar, drums, and bass. The vocals are also perfect for the music. If you love to rock, this is your track!
“INSECT SURFERS - THUNDERBIRDS THEME” is an instrumental gem.
Dave Arnson and his band are one of the progenitors of the second wave. The
combination of driving rock elements and surf is executed exceptionally well,
with a lot of melody. Any track I have ever heard resonates with me. They are
very original, and when you listen to them, it’s instant gratification.
An Evening in Nivram-A Tribute to The Shadows version two was more than just a fun listen. It was a thrilling experience. The remastering and addition of all the bonus tracks have truly elevated the album, further solidifying The Shadows’ legacy. I can’t help but wonder if this gem will eventually come out on vinyl. If it does, I have no doubt it will be a sell-out success.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Review Founder
October
12, 2025
Tracks:
01. THE SPACE COSSACKS - THE SAVAGE 02:11
02. DANNY AMIS & TWIN TONES - FBI (new bonus track) 02:31
03. DRACULINA - JET BLACK (new bonus track) 02:41
04. THE AQUA VELVETS - ATLANTIS 02:50
05. THE BOSS MARTIANS - SCOTCH ON THE SOCKS / 36-24-36 (MEDLEY) - (new bonus track) 04:35
06. THE SPACE COSSACKS - FIND ME A GOLDEN STREET (new bonus track) 02:48
07. HYPNOMEN - APACHE (new bonus track) 03:39
08. THE ALOHAS - EVENING COMES 02:46
09. MARTIN CILIA - DIAMONDS (new bonus track) 02:30
10. THE FATHOMS - MAN OF MYSTERY 02:54
11. THE MADEIRA - THE FRIGHTENED CITY (new bonus track) 02:09
12. DRACULINA - THE STRANGER (new bonus track) 03:53
13. THE TROUBADOURS - THE LOST CITY (new bonus track) 02:06
14. THE HUNTINGTON CADS - GONZALES 02:23
15. WAVE ELECTRIC - WALKIN' (new bonus track) 02:40
16. THE MARTINETS - DON'T MAKE MY BABY BLUE (new bonus track) 04:21
17. SATAN'S PILGRIMS - THE RISE AND FALL OF FLINGEL BUNT 02:47
18. THE TIKI TONES - TOMORROW'S CANCELLED 03:10
19. DAVIE ALLAN & THE ARROWS - TALES OF RAGGY TRAMLINE 02:50
20. TEISCO DEL REY - THEME FOR YOUNG LOVERS 02:36
21. INSECT SURFERS - THUNDERBIRDS THEME (new bonus track) 03:17
22. THE DEORAS - ZAMBESI 03:27
23. JIM MANKEY (CONCRETE BLONDE) - BACK HOME 04:24
24. LORDS OF ATLANTIS - MAROC 7 (exclusive digital only bonus track) 02:36
25. THE FALCONS - APACHE (exclusive digital only bonus track) 03:05
26. THE BOSS MARTIANS - DON'T IT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD (exclusive digital only bonus track) 02:23
27. THE TRAVELERS OF TYME - MAROC 7 (exclusive digital only bonus track) 02:36
28. THE TROUBADOURS - THE LUTE NUMBER (exclusive digital only bonus track) 01:58
29. THE OMEGA MEN - MAIN THEME (exclusive digital only bonus track) 02:01
