Surf Instro Review: Fifty Foot Combo-“Strike!” The Early Years (1994-2000)

Remember the days when a 7” vinyl single was a cherished part of our daily lives? Those were the days. Now, it’s a rare gem, a collector’s item that instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia, especially with the rise of cassettes and CDs in music stores. (Keep in mind I wrote this 24 years ago!)

Fifty Foot Combo, a band that has been making waves in the music scene for the past six years, released several 7” singles. For loyal fans and followers who missed out on those rare vinyl finds, it’s all put together on “Strike!” The Early Years (1994-2000). It is also available on a vinyl LP (13 tracks). Yes, sir, twenty tracks of surf-instro with oomph.

Fifty Foot Combo, with their unique blend of the traditional surf sound, rock, and the third wave of instro sound, stands out in the music industry. When most people think about this kind of music, they tend to assume that it’s one-dimensional. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

What this group unequivocally proves is that surf-instro is a genre as versatile as any other. Just look at the myriad of sub-genres that have sprouted from (some) of the simplistic three-chord instrumental music of the sixties. This diversity truly tells the story. When a musical genre can spawn such a variety of sounds, it’s a testament to its versatility.

Surf-spy, Dick Dale Middle Eastern staccato riffs, modern rock, and traditional surf sounds will permeate the air when this CD is played. Each time you listen, you are bound to notice the subtle changes and colorful tones in each track. It’s not complicated, it’s pure and straightforward, just like the neo-surf culture that lives in and around the music.

Fifty Foot Combo is a force to be reckoned with, brothers and sisters. Witness the sheer height and power of their musical waves.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 22, 2001

Tracks:

01. Evil Walks In 

02. Italian Fuzz  

03. Movin’  

04. Pygmee Dance  

05. The Legend Of Hanau Eepe   

06. SL 54 Automatic   

07. Jack The Ripper (live)

08. SL 54 Automatic (live) 

09. Everybody Up!  

10. Spanish Hully Gully   

11. 4 Devils 1 Hell  

12. Tomahawk  

13. Taboo  

14. Shark Attack

15. Jerry Tibbs Amazing Discovery  

16. Betty’s Twist  

17. The Victor  

18. In Search For Montgomery  

19. Down At Irvings  

20. Titanic Tins

Surf Instro Review: Fifty Foot Combo-Go Hunting!

https://www.facebook.com/fiftyfootcombo/

Fifty Foot Combo comes rolling in with a monster wave of surf-instro sounds on Go Hunting! This group's sound not only envelops you with high-energy waves of rapid-fire guitar riffs but also impresses with its diverse influences. Infused with big rock and roll power chords, sprinkled with lounge-exotica, and topped with a few drag races complete with the original hot rod sounds, their music is a testament to their versatility and skill.

Babes, cars, surfing, and monster movies - this encompasses only a few of the many facets of the surf music culture. When a group reflects the culture of the music in so many ways, it enables the artists to define the eclecticism of their chosen genre. The result is quality surf-instro music.

Many groups play simple progressions and nothing else, leaving each tune lacking substance. Other groups are talented enough to expand upon that singular style and utilize all the tools the subgenres have to offer. In retrospect, it adds new and different flavors to surf music.

Fifty Foot Combo boldly steps out, choosing to use all the tools of the trade effectively. This departure from the norm yields a powerful yet vibrant overall sound that is sure to intrigue even the most discerning surf music enthusiasts.

The beginning of the CD features a narration taken from an old Boris Karloff flick. This choice of introduction is significant as it sets the tone for the rest of the album, evoking the spirit of classic monster movies that have long been a part of surf music culture. Karloff, the iconic actor, speaks of 3,000-year-old mummies coming back to life, werewolves, and other monsters of the darkness. Right after that intro, the group kicks into high gear and never takes the foot off the pedal.

I appreciate the all-around effort of groups like Fifty Foot Combo. The colorful, 1960s-flavored traditional surf era artwork, with its vibrant colors, retro fonts, and numerous references to hot rods and girls, perfectly captures the essence of the surf music culture.

This is the essence of the surf music culture. The one track that got me pumped was "Drums A Go Go," with its tribal beat and non-stop action, with a beat that could raise those mummies right out of the tombs.

Besides being a kick ass surf group, they know how to get the entire message across. When all is said and done, it's still only rock and roll. Anyone who covers Link Wray's "Jack The Ripper" with such respect for the classic influences is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia in any surf music fan.

Keith ”MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 4, 2000

Tracks:

01. It's Alive   

02. The Tunnel  

03. Doe De Duff   

04. Inspection #5    

05. Robin Boy Wonder   

06. Dimitrius

07. The Brain From Planet X    

08. I Think I Shot Her    

09. Drums A Go Go   

10. The Escape    

11. Minesweeper

12. Hully Gully Stomp

Bonus Tracks:

13. SL 54 Automatic

14. Jack The Ripper