Surf Instro Review: Chum-Cheater Five

Note: The music I reviewed at the time was not the entire album included here for streaming, which is the Dewey Decibel System. It was a long time ago, so the band may have sent me a sample or demo to listen to.

If you are not familiar with the lore of the sea, chum is a mixture of fish, blood, and various other parts used to lure sharks. Musically, this isn’t chum. It’s surf-instro, nothing fancy. That’s why Chum’s Cheater Five has an appeal and a certain charm.

In surfing, a "Cheater Five" is a maneuver where a surfer moves their front foot to the very tip of the board's nose while maintaining most of their weight on their back foot.

Of course, seeing the world through your mama’s brown-eye isn’t charming. But this band's carefree and fun attitude is undoubtedly entertaining. I tend to laugh at what others may find disgusting, what can I say? I got a good laugh when I looked at the sub-title of track two. Their attitude is much like their music — carefree and fun.

This group, a typical surf-instro trio, is a delight to listen to. Their music is carefree and fun, much like their attitude. This CD serves as a good introduction to musicians with some promise. However, five songs are hardly enough to satisfy our appetite for their music. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting more.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 16, 2001

Tracks:

1. Surf Song

2. In The Green Room (Through Your Mama’s Brown-Eye)

3. Raptor

4. Spinout

5. Cheater 5

Surf Instro Review: Susan and The Surftones - All The Beat Live!!! All The Best (Live At The Bop Shop, Rochester, New York)

Susan and the Surftones, one of my favorite surf-instrumental groups, have finally released a live CD, All The Beat Live!!! All The Best. It was recorded Live At The Bop Shop, Rochester, New York.

Having never had the pleasure of witnessing a live show by the group, I was more than happy to give this disc a spin.

What sets Susan and the Surftones apart is their ability to bring the energy of a live show to their recordings. Their live, raw covers of familiar tunes explode with power. “Tramp” was my favorite track, a real classic surf-instro rocker that captures the band's live performance energy.

Susan told me in an interview earlier this year that they do covers because that’s what the crowd wants to hear at a live gig. Now we all get the opportunity to find why the crowd clamors for it.

This CD features twenty-one tracks of fun in the sun, along with sparkling waves of rock and roll to soothe your soul.

Susan is a straightforward woman, and her attitude is reflected in her music. When you listen to Susan and the Surftones, you're getting the real deal, straight up with no chaser. Their music is authentic and honest, just like Susan herself.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 12, 2000

Tracks:
01. Pipeline 

02. Rumble  

03. Stinger 

04. Baja 

05. Apache 

06. Sunburn  

07. Walk, Don’t Run  

08. Jezebel 

09. Tiki Kiki 

10. Jack The Ripper

11. Tequilla 

12. Trembler/Ace Of Spades 

13. Topsy 

14. Penetration 

15. Tramp 

16. Diamond Head 

17. Raw-Hide 

18. Spanish Wave

19. Blue Moon 

20. Wipe Out 

21. My Generation

Surf Instro Review and Interview: Desert Undertones 7" Vinyl - Massacre Canyon/The 48ers

Release Date:  May 1, 2024

Label: Independent

Website:  https://desertundertones.com/

Product Provided By: https://www.facebook.com/cifanzine/

Dylan Oldham (guitar), Christopher Marshall (bass), and Curt Pleiss (drums) are Desert Undertones. Hailing from Arizona, they aim to bring you exciting and memorable surf tunes. They hit the bullseye with “Massacre Canyon B/W “The 48ers”.

The tracks come housed in the sleeve you see here on black 7” vinyl. The retro cinematic artwork was provided by David Venegas, who captured their sound and intent.

 

The band partnered with Matthew Clark, creator of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine, who kindly provided copies of his fanzine, which included the vinyl for my review. He also had an interview with the band members in issue #3 (shown here). Their enthusiasm for the music is contagious, compelling you to seek it out and listen now (Stream it from the player I have provided). 

 

“Massacre Canyon” is a slow burner with some fine glissando sections and a nod to the foundation of surf instro. The atmosphere of intrigue and the rider kicking up dust on the cover is created in the music as you listen.

 

The music evolves with a unique blend of spaghetti western influences, but with their special sauce, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.  

 

At 3:27, there is enough time to create that dual atmosphere, where the retro surf morphs into the desert/western sound portion of spaghetti, just not a full meal, but just enough around the fringes of surf to pique your interest with what they are doing.

 

“The 48ers” are the people who cashed in on the gold before the 49ers realized it was there.

 

This track is a solid rocker with plenty of rhythm, strong bass, and drums to complete the powerful trio formula. The guitar resonates beautifully throughout and between the changes, with shimmering leads that conjure images of sun and surf (except they do their surfing on the dunes of the desert). It then concludes with a perfect outro that reverberates and echoes.

 

Desert Undertones can spread the gospel of surf and intend to put out a whole album of tracks at some point this year. The prospect of a second full album is something I, and I'm sure many of you, eagerly anticipate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

June 26, 2025

Surf Instro Review: The Space Cossacks - Interstellar Stomp (Interview With Ivan Pongracic Included)

I could not hide my enthusiasm and adulation for this band's music. And my feelings have not changed after all these years!

The Space Cossacks Interstellar Stomp has already become a classic. It's not just a record; it's part of a legacy. Destined to be hailed as such, it had all the excitement and anticipation working for it before its eventual release. By listening to it, you're not just enjoying music but becoming a part of a prestigious group of listeners.

This CD is phenomenal! It is appropriate to cite it as one of the most significant surf releases ever.

Ivan Pongracic is a real gunslinger who takes no prisoners. His guitar playing is not just exceptional; it's awe-inspiring. The tonality, glissando, and reverb he coaxes from his axe are the stuff dreams are made of.

The rest of the group is outstanding in giving Ivan the backbeat he needs to consummate the marriage between his furious guitar playing and the foundation from which each masterpiece of reverb is born.

The tremendous talent on the musician's behalf, excellent production, and sonics make this a recording for the ages in the surf world. It is one of the best you will ever feast your reverb-soaked ears upon.

Tracks:

01. Third Star To The Left  

02. Red Sunrise  

03. Solaris Stomp 

04. Neutron Sabre  

05. Black Sand  

06. The Cossack

07. The Spy Satellite  

08. Planet Of The Apes  

09. Gunmetal Express 

10. Transatlantic Orbit  

11. Moroccan Adventures

12. Mir Rescue    

13. Bombora   

14. The Space Victory Theme  

15. Navajo Star

Surf Instro Review: The Cave 4 in... Bikini Crash

When you look at the titles of the songs on The Cave 4 in...Bikini Crash!, you begin to think that they are typical surf CDs. Words like banzai, malibu, and beaches are used.

One listen, and you feel you have heard two separate groups playing on different CDs! There are your typical twanging, reverb-filled tunes, and then the group surfs off into punk-garage-rock territory. It is, for the most part, great.

A few tunes, primarily the garage tracks, are on the low end of the recording spectrum. The surf tracks are much cleaner for the concerned audiophile. With that exception, it was a perfectly enjoyable listen.

This group has heaps of talent, and it's apparent in their ability to change from one type of music to the next quickly and convincingly. That is what impressed me.

The songs were recorded in the Netherlands, where the group resides, between 1994 and 96. Hopefully, they can record the next CD stateside, and we can hear a more precise and cleaner production. I enjoyed listening to this and believe any surf instro enthusiast would!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

TRACKS

01. Shockwave  

02. Surfin' Cat  

03. Malibu Run 

04. Bonneville Stomp  

05. Blast Off  

06. Tribute Pt.1   

07. Unknown

08. House On Haunted Hill  

09. Alfred E. Goes Surfin'   

10. Slow  

11. Bikini Crash  

12. Let's Go To The Beach

13. Same All Over The World  

14. Cave 4  

15. Banzai Washout
  

Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll Review - Achtung Spitfire Schnell Schnell!!! DEMO 99'

 http://achtung-spitfire.de/

Note: For some reason, I did not note the track titles when I wrote this review; however, I did find a good stream on Bandcamp with Rarities and Demos that is worth checking out, and their website is active!

The group has coined its music as Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll, a unique blend that sets it apart. Hailing from Germany, it has crafted an exceptional demo to captivate prospective record labels.

 

This enhanced CD features six tracks, each a testament to its distinct sound, and includes QuickTime video clips and other surprises for your enjoyment.

 

The group has enormous potential, and I would be shocked and disappointed if they weren't recognized as the spirited and energetic group they are. They rock and roll, bang, twang, and burn the house down on this impressive debut.

 

Considering this is a demo, I was impressed with the sound, professionalism, and all the efforts to make it an actual multimedia experience.

 

The group has a strong following overseas and is very active on the concert circuit. Playing many gigs is the best way to hone your chops and make a name for yourself. ASSS is fired and ready to come to the U.S. and cut a full-length CD.

 

I've recommended the group to my friends at Del-Fi, and there's a chance you'll hear a track from them on Del-Fi's second Surf Monsters release this Fall. I'm eagerly anticipating this and keeping my fingers crossed for them. So, get ready to engage with the group on their website and be part of their journey.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1999

1. Soul Time 04:19

2. Amazing Disgrace 05:24

3. Forrester Of The Rabbits 02:10

4. Rockit Fuel 02:24

5. Target: Dr. Mabuse 03:51

6. Nutshell 02:58

7. Link Tiene Los Huevos Como Sandias De Grande 04:28

8. I Refuse 03:49

9. Follow Me 04:26

Surf Instro Review: Glamour Puss - Self Titled EP

How could you not want to listen to a group named Glamour Puss? Very humorous. They are the essence of surf music, laughter, and fun.

Their self-titled EP is knee-deep in the warm sands of the ocean surf. This group will appeal to people who like the sounds of rock, punk, or surf.

I hope to see more from this talented group soon. A full-length CD would be the next step. These guys are ready to rock you and surf their way into your instro mental psych.

Keep your eyes on Glamour Puss, the best is yet to come. With their EP already making waves, the band is gearing up for more exciting releases and performances. This is just the beginning of their musical journey, and I can't wait to see where they'll take us next. 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Bumble Bee Surf

02. Wobble Knees

03. Space Race

04. Enter The Dragon

05. Lounge Man

06. Surf The Abyss

07. Spinout

Surf Instro Review- Get Wet - Self Titled (Les Fradkin)

 https://lesfradkin.com/

Les Fradkin and Get Wet surf at hyper speed! Whew, this cooks! Several tracks on this CD are soaked in surging saltwater reverb. It's getting plenty of attention on the MP3 throughway. (MP3.com was on fire then, and some artists were making good money!)

Les Fradkin plays guitar like there is no tomorrow on this release.

It starts with a killer rendition of "Bombora" and maintains momentum until your CD player takes a break. The covers are skillfully crafted, offering a unique take on familiar tunes. It's a treat to hear a cover version that surprises and delights.

When artists choose to cover a song, they can infuse it with their unique style, and Les does this with convincing flair.

The cover art perfectly captures the essence of the Surf genre, with its picturesque ocean view and charming palm tree hut. Be sure to visit their website to enjoy more of their music. Ready to get soaked in reverb? Dive in headfirst! 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Bombora   

02. Surfin The Classics Pt. 2   

03. Apache   

04. Surfin The Classics Pt. 1   

05. Body Surfin'    

06. Telstar

07. White Sands   

08. Walk Don't Run 2000  

09. The Cruel Sea  

10. Sandblaster   

11. Walk The Nose   

12. Reverbia              

                             

Surf Rock and Instrumental Review: The Best of The Fireballs—The Original Norman Petty Masters

Norman Petty was a brilliant man who saw the group's talent, The Fireballs.

The Best of The Fireballs—The Original Norman Petty Masters features great music by some very talented musicians. These are classics taken from the original masters.

The period covered the late 1950s through the early 1960s. This is essential Fireball music. It is a must-have piece for anyone who is a fan or collector of their music.

If you know anything about the history of instrumental rock, or if you don't, The Fireballs, The Ventures, and The Shadows were key components in developing the classic surf instrumental sound from the 1950s onward.

Your collection would be incomplete without it. It's good rock' n' roll performed by some true craft masters. It's a delightful journey down a road forever preserved in time.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Torquay   

02. Bulldog   

03. The Carioca   

04. Yacky Doo   

05. Foot Patter   

06. Dumbo   

07. Vaquero

08. Long Long Ponytail   

09. Gunshot   

10. Nearly Sunrise   

11. Rik-a-tik   

12. Quite A Party  

13. Really Big Time   

14. Peg Leg  

15. Fireball   

16. Panic Button   

17. Cry Baby   

18. Tuff-A-Nuff   

19. Find Me A Golden Street

20. Blacksmith Blues   

21. Daytona Drag   

22. Kissin'    

23. Chief Whoopin' Koff    

24. El Ringo    

25. Torquay

Surf Instro Review: Beat Surfers-Pole Position

This CD EP is a remarkable showcase of the Norwegian group's talent. Despite being an EP, the band manages to cover some impressive ground, leaving a lasting impression.

With their heavy, chunky power surf chords, this group's raw and energized sound is a promising effort. Their potential is undeniable, and it's exciting to consider what they could accomplish.

The sound mix is fair. I think with a chance to record with a more prominent U.S.-based label and some good production, these fellows would have a great shot at taking off.

It's impossible not to admire this group's dedication to being heard and exposed. Their efforts are certainly appreciated, and it's a pleasure to be introduced to their music! 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

2000

Tracks:

01. Oppa Fjellet  

02. Throttleman   

03. Pole Position   

04. El Nino   

05. Kon Tiki   

06. Piken T Dalen

07. Reinlender   

08. The Cruel Sea