Label: Independent
Monster Wave began as a one-man project but has since evolved into a full band, bringing fresh energy to their catalog.
Two tracks from their earlier releases— “Beyond The
Reef” and “Pazuzu Luau”—have been re-recorded with the expanded lineup. From a
creative standpoint, revisiting these songs with new players makes perfect
sense, breathing new life into familiar material.
Your introduction to the recent EP, Return of Monster Wave! is this statement on their Bandcamp page: Four terrifying tracks make up this collection of music that scientists say should not exist!
The black-and-white cover art also evokes thoughts of terror and distress. Could their music conjure these images and thoughts?
“Attack of the Vampire Mermaids” gets things rolling with rhythmic guitar, then some keyboards are added for that retro synth effect (Think Ghostbusters). It is an energetic mover to get your “blood” pumping for oncoming mermaids!
“Beyond The Reef” features an immediate jump into a spooky, mysterious scenario. The bass plays a prominent role in this track, and the drums are up to the task. But it’s the guitar that truly commands attention—the lifeblood of surf instro—weaving through dramatic shifts in mood and tempo with masterful precision. Each transition feels deliberate, like a cinematic movement, as the guitar alternates between haunting melodic phrases and explosive bursts of energy. Thoughts of 60s spy thrillers or B movies come to mind.
“Breakbone Break” focuses on their classic surf-instruo sound, featuring excellent tremolo work. The playing is superb, keeping a strong hold on the past while using modern studio tech for that clear, crisp, reverberating sound we all love.
“Pazuzu Luau” closes the EP with a devilish flourish. The title references Pazuzu, a demonic deity feared by Babylonians and Assyrians throughout the first millennium BCE—here reimagined as the guest of honor at a twisted beach party. Staying true to their horror-infused aesthetic, the band unleashes a sonic assault: a driving rhythm section, sinister organ lines, searing guitar licks, and strategic bursts of feedback and sustain. The track’s layered complexity and stellar mix deliver a powerful punch, making for a memorable finale.
Scientists may warn you that these tracks should not exist—and Monster Wave defies the very laws of sonic physics—but after hearing them, I am certain you will not be able to live without them. But then again, that was Monster Wave’s diabolical plan all along…
Monster
Wave! Is:
Guitar/Bass/Writing:
Casey Willis
Bass/Guitar/Writing:
Joel Shuman
Keyboard/Guitar/Writing:
Ryan Grisso
Drums: Lee Rubenstein
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art
January 30, 2026
Tracks:
1. Attack of the Vampire Mermaids 03:09
2. Beyond The Reef 03:12
3. Breakbone Break 02:28
4. Pazuzu Luau 04:08
