Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: Various Artists-Four By Four Compilation-7” Blue Vinyl

 Release Date: February 9, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

Colorado Instrumental Fanzine continues its fine coverage of the surf instrumental genre and community with one-of-a-kind vinyl releases available with their quarterly issues.

This time, we have the Four By Four Compilation, with two tracks on each side, available on iceberg blue or octopus ink black 7” vinyl.

Side A starts with Mark Malibu & The Wasagas with “Great Lake Surfer.” This is a great tune with a retro sound. The guitar’s clear, crisp tones are full of reverb, and the drums and bass are strong, with the beat we have all become accustomed to hearing.

The guitar’s leads are transitioning with a steady, consistent flow. As the sound shifts back and forth, you are transported back to the 60s, where it all began. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia and how it’s been preserved while keeping the sound fresh and modern with today’s recording techniques.

Humanga Danga is up next with “Red Desert Rampage.” Featuring the rapid tremolo picking and the echoing second layer of guitar. The sounds shift suddenly, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor and a quicker tempo. The guitar work is intricate, rhythmic, and unrelenting.  A very atmospheric track with rich color and cinematic excitement.

Sys Malakian kicks off side B with “Idilio.” Sys is a respected community member and Zine reviewer. His sound is idyllic for the lovers of the surf instro genre. He expertly blends traditional and modern sounds into his music. This is one example of his dexterity on the six-string. This is a fast mover, with the guitar’s subtle intricacies highlighted throughout.  It is like getting into the wayback machine in a modern studio setting. The replication of the classic surf sound is a specialty for Sys, and that is why he has such respect from fellow musicians and listeners alike.

The Terra Surfers close out this slice of vinyl with “Solar Vortex.” It begins with small steps to an eventual sound that gives it a mysterious sci-fi feel, which is the intent here. Being a vortex is an “out there” thing when one imagines it in the mind’s eye. The guitar’s resonant tones and layered effect, along with crashing cymbals and a thumping bass, hold you spellbound from start to finish. A great musical climax to close the curtain on this short trip around the world of surf instro.

Four By Four delivers everything that makes surf instrumental music essential: masterful musicianship, limited-edition vinyl pressed in iceberg blue or octopus ink black, stunning artwork, and four distinct artists each commanding their own vision of the genre. From retro reverence to sci-fi experimentation, this compilation captures the full spectrum of modern surf rock. If you’re serious about the genre, this is mandatory listening—don’t let this one slip away.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 3, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Great Lake Surfer-Mark Malibu & The Wasagas 2:56                          

2. Red Desert Rampage-Humanga Danga 2:57  

Side B:

1. Sys Malakian-Idilio 2:50                                            

2. Solar Vortex-The Terra Surfers 2:50

Fanzine Review: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine (Matthew Clark)

https://coloradoinstrumentalfanzine.bandcamp.com

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Matthew Clark, the ingenious creator and publisher of the Colorado Instrumental Fanzine. This unique gem in the world of music publications stands out, making it a must-read for any music enthusiast.

He sent me copies of volumes 2, 3, and 4, along with two 45s for review, a bunch of band stickers, and several download codes for Bandcamp for additional reviews. Additionally, in his generosity, he connected me with some labels, allowing me to review more products. Some of the people I reconnected with from years ago, when I started doing a ton of reviews in the surf instro genre, remembered me, thankfully.

This man is passionate about music and spreading the word in any way he can. He travels extensively throughout the country to cover festivals and conducts in-depth interviews for his magazine, along with feature stories that cover gear and reviews of new releases. All this while holding down a full-time day job. That is something I did for over 25 years myself, so I know how much time and energy it takes to accomplish it all.

Reading all the zines cover to cover was a delight. The fact that it's all in black and white not only adds to its charm but also keeps the costs of publishing down, making it more affordable for all of us surf instro fans.

Matthew Clark's passion for music and the people who create it is truly inspiring. His responsiveness to my outreach has been commendable, and he has made significant efforts to help me expand my community presence. I am deeply grateful to him for his friendship and interest in my work, and I'm sure you will be too (If you are a band looking for some attention for your music).

I highly recommend going to Matthew’s Bandcamp page and purchasing a physical or digital copy of his work. Stay in touch with what he's doing, as many exciting surprises and bonuses are coming along soon with the fanzine! Keep an eye out for his future projects to stay engaged with the surf instrumental music community.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music & Art Founder

July 3, 2025