Release Date: August 20, 2024
Label: White Sands/Nomad Eel Records
As with any exceptional instrumental music in this genre, the EP is guitar-centric, with robust backing from the bass and drums. Across the six tracks, you can hear three musicians at the peak of their craft, delivering a performance that is sure to impress.
The EP is readily available for download on Bandcamp, ensuring easy accessibility to all music enthusiasts. For those who appreciate a more tangible experience, a limited cassette version is also available.
"The Black Cat Is Deathless" features strong rhythms (something that is a strength of their music). There are twangy, clear-cut leads that take on this spine-tingling adventure of the evil black cat. Some nice tremolo effects are inserted for that surfy feel, then some tight rockin' leads for more impact. The bass and drums are synced nicely to hold down the back end, which they consistently do throughout this recording.
"Cult of the Crab King" has a subtle drum opening and a heavy bass as the guitar comes in with its surf reverb vibes, making you "feel" the waves of sound as you picture this bizarre creature prodding along. The constant cymbals echo throughout as the drummer's other hand maintains the steady pulse to match the bass.
"Revenge of the Tikibots" starts like a shot out of a cannon with lots of reverb flying off the strings of the guitar. The guitar dominates their sound, as it should. The proper effect to match the track titles is accomplished by the tempos created. Some fast picking occurs for a short time, approaching a glissando sound as closely as possible. The drums and bass answer the call and pick up the pace, then a sudden finish.
"It Came From Hobbs" makes a grand entrance, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship. The instrumentation kicks into high gear with immediate impact, and the various sections of music highlight the trio's superb skills. They certainly make a lot of noise for just three men, leaving the listener in awe of their talent.
The "Vampire Drug Party" begins with an eerie sound that fits the script of the vampire. This is a vampire on drugs, though, so I don't know how that would work out. Or maybe everyone at the party is drugged out, so it's easy picking for the bloodthirsty ghoul! Some rockin' surf leads and big drums and bass show their power as the lead guitar cuts through with its pinpoint notes. Now the atmosphere is set, and the time is right for the vampire to strike!
"Bamboo Forest" is just shy of 4 minutes, showing the band's exotica side of the equation. There is a cinematic entrance into the forest of mystery as the music's atmospheric sounds captivate your imagination, with the drummer's beats and well-placed leads from the guitar creating even more intrigue. The bass is meaty, adding more depth to the track. What lies around the corner of the maze of bamboo?
White Sands has crafted a captivating collection of tracks and made the most impact possible for a short EP release. Their sound can be complex and shifting; however, I found it highly entertaining and would look forward to a full-length album with more of the exotica elements mixed in.
The Players:
Chris V. – Guitars
Dustin Mortensen – Bass
Brian Burton – Drums
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf
Music and Art Founder
July 3, 2025
Tracks:
1. The Black Cat Is Deathless 03:42
2. Cult of the Crab King 02:53
3. Revenge of the Tikibots 02:15
4. It Came From Hobbs 02:58
5. Vampire Drug Party 02:41
6. Bamboo Forest 03:58
