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