Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The NovaRays: Another Date With The NovaRays

Release Date:  June 26, 2025

Label: Independent

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The NovaRays, a trio comprising John Ashfield on Fender Bass IV, Rob Jacobs on drums, and Lewis Bailey on guitar, showcase their individual and collective mastery in this band.

"West of Eureka” begins with the sound of a horse galloping away, then the music kicks in.  The bass is powerful and upfront, with the guitar positioned in the background, which I found interesting —a kind of switch in positions you rarely see. The drums are tight and right there with the bass. They add some other sound effects to make it feel like you are starring in the latest Western.  It is very panoramic, as it ends with the sound of a whip cracking, ‘Yee-haw!’ The next episode of Rawhide will begin after these messages…

“Space Hero” begins with a funky bass riff, as the drums join in for the ride, and the guitar arrives with a touch of twang and reverb. This time, the guitar’s volume is turned up for your pleasure. This is a combination of rock and surf with an irresistible hook and beat. A nice tempo is held consistently, and it’s a very tasteful ditty, I might say.

 

“Wooden Horse” is very melodic right out of the gate with some skillful guitar playing. And that bass, oh my goodness, it is just excellent - how strong and accurate it is. The drumming also receives praise for consistently maintaining exceptional time. There is something about the melody that sounds familiar to me, maybe something I heard years ago from Wishbone Ash—a very steady track with some clever transitions.

 

“The Creeper” is a classic many folks are familiar with from the Ventures; however, this is an original. It has a Halloween feel to it, which helps bring the subject matter to life. Well, after this is creepy, right? They nail it down nicely with perfectly paced rhythms and some “cuts like a knife” leads from the guitar for further emphasis. Well done!

 

“The Haunting of Bath House B” continues with our Halloween theme. This time, it’s much more upbeat, with some killer guitar lines accompanied by a throbbing bass and drums to carry it along. Some cool effects kick in as the guitar enters full gallop mode, then it transitions back to the leads, with the rhythm guitar following along, and finally, the epic, resonating finish.

 

“Pink Slip” goes into hyperdrive immediately with some lightning-fast guitar riffs. The bottom end is once again strong, as the guitar is diverse and accentuated with front leads, as well as in the background. A lot is going on in this track, and they pack it all into 3:03. I liked the quick transitions and layered guitars, with one keeping the rhythm and the other just ripping it (although they do that a lot on this album).

 

“Three Blue Stars” takes you back to the first wave of guitar sounds, then transitions to a more prominent lead guitar, holding on to the roots of surf instro. It’s a nostalgic journey, sounding very retro but crisp, clean, and precise due to the use of good recording methods. The different types of guitar sounds you would hear from a band in the heyday of the early ’60s are what you will be able to enjoy with this one!

 

“Phantom of the Jetties” gets you into the full reverb and twang mode, but this time, spy sounds dominate the atmosphere. As the paint it out with the guitar lines and rhythmic bass and drums, laying down that solid foundation. The bass has a few standalone moments with some funky lines. It’s the guitars that make this real for the spy vs. spy sounds—one of the best tunes on the recording.

 

“Mr. Covington’s Wild Ride” wraps things up on the wild instrumental ride. A spiffy guitar line kicks things into high gear with a solid rhythm guitar chugging along, and the bass and drums doing their things like they do. The guitar weaves its magic throughout with many transitions. Almost three minutes of pure rock instrumental surfy greatness to close the curtain on one hell of an album!

 

Another Date With The NovaRays is a date you will want to keep. This is a solid outing with a diverse array of tracks covering the gamut of surf instro and surf rock. They give you a taste of it all and a few looks back to where it all started to complete the circle. It’s an exciting journey that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

August 31, 2025

Tracks:

1. West of Eureka 02:57

2. Space Hero 02:44

3. Wooden Horse 02:31

4. The Creeper 04:10

5. The Haunting of Bath House B 02:36

6. Pink Slip 03:03

7. Three Blue Stars 02:29

8. Phantom of the Jetties 02:50

9. Mr. Covington's Wild Ride 02:58

Surf Instro Review: The Breakers-Triple-Sided Single

Release Date:  July 19, 2025

Label: Independent

The Breakers Catalog

As The Breakers gear up to release another full-length recording, they decided to give us a taste of what is to come. And they are doing it with a unique concept-the Triple-Sided Single, a collection of three distinct tracks that showcase their versatility and creativity.

THE BREAKERS ARE:

Jim Abrahams - Guitar, Effects

Marc Lockett - Drums, Percussion

Jayson Slater – Bass

 

Creating music is not just a passion, but also a labor of love. All of us working stiffs must set aside time for this kind of work, so it is a process to get everything together. Just about anyone who is an independent recording artist is leading this double life. So, listeners are required to have some patience as they strive to deliver the best music possible.

 

So, if you have a craving for more killer surf instro to digest, I have just the remedy for you with these three tracks.

 

“Injection” gets your motor running right from the starting line. Fueled by a locomotive rhythm section and lead guitar that offers a mix of first wave and today’s tech to give it a clear and crisp sound. Melodicism is the word of the day here. There is some slick guitar work going on here with Abrahams doing some quick slides down the fretboard, kind of like a surfer taking a massive wave and getting in a sustained tube. (Check the track video provided)

 

“Facing The Sun” marks a shift towards more complex compositions, incorporating a touch of psych garage influence. Some cool transitions are found within this number. Then the old school sounds jump out suddenly for the ’60s organ sound (*which I suspected was a guitar), kind of like The Munsters’ intro if you can remember that or are familiar with it. This was a big step away from the previous track, reminding you of how eclectic surf rock can be if you have the talent of this remarkable trio.

*I asked Jim Abrahams, and he confirmed that the organ sound was the Eastwood Backlund Model 100 DLX Guitar through the Electro Harmonix C9 Organ Machine.

“Adios, Consciousness” takes another turn on the musical road. This track is a journey, with a mellow start, a prominent bass line, and a 60s psych vibe. Then, it surprises us with a heavier, meatier sound, complete with a sax and trumpet. The guitar, switching to tremolo mode, adds to the variety. It’s like listening to several songs all rolled into one session. No wonder they go past 3 minutes!

 

If the Triple-Sided Single is a taste of what’s to come with the whole album, I, for one, am eagerly awaiting its release. If you’re a fan of The Breakers, you won’t want to miss this!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

August 15, 2025

Tracks:

1. Injection 02:32

2. Facing The Sun 02:50

3. Adios, Consciousness 03:26

Surf Rock Instrumental Review (Holiday): Los Straitjackets- ‘Tis The Season For Los Straitjackets!

http://www.losstraitjackets.com

Admittedly, it is a little early to be listening to Christmas music. I could not help but put this on, though. By the end of the month, I will have had my fill of seasonal music to review, and I will be happy that it comes only once a year.

Surf-instrumental music has always been a personal favorite, and Los Straitjackets never fail to deliver a unique and fun experience. Their vibrant Mexican wrestling masks and infectious sound make them a joy to watch. ‘Tis The Season For Los Straitjackets!

Well then, now you can put all of that together and have yourself a CD that will get you in the mood for the season. Could there be a better way to jump-start the Holiday than to a rockin’ and twangy “A Marshmallow World”?  (Released on a red vinyl 45 a few years ago, B/W “Sleighride”) or “Feliz Navidad”? Even though it may not seem right without Jose Feliciano’s vocals, it still sounds great. Every song sounds so wonderful!

The CD is not too long or too short; it is just right, with 13 tracks, the longest one being a little over three minutes. You must love this kind of music to appreciate it fully, although there may be some converts just waiting for something different to feast their ears upon this year. Usually, the only instrumental Christmas CD I put on is The Ventures Christmas Album (who have a new Christmas CD out too). Now, I have another one to add to the list.

This CD is a joyous toboggan ride down a steep hill on a cold December day. The faster you go, the more excited you get! It’s a perfect blend of fun and the spirit of giving, which is what the holiday season is all about. Let Los Straitjackets’ music guide you to a season filled with joy and excitement.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

November 3, 2002

Tracks:

01. Here Comes Santa Claus (Autry/Haldeman) - 2:11

02. A Marshmallow World (DeRose/Sigman) - 2:06

03. Feliz Navidad (Feliciano) - 3:10

04. Jingle Bell Rock (Prentis) - 2:41

05. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Marks) - 2:18

06. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Traditional) - 2:23

07. Frosty the Snowman (Nelson/Rollins) - 1:57  

08. Christmas in Las Vegas (Amis/Angel/Curry/Lester) - 2:36

09. Let It Snow (Cahn/Styne) - 2:12

10. Sleigh Ride (Anderson) - 2:33

11. Christmas Weekend (Amis/Angel/Curry/Lester) - 1:53

12. Little Drummer Boy (Davis/Onarata/Simeone) - 2:40

13. The Christmas Song (Torme/Wells) - 3:16 

Surf Instro Live Review & Interview (John Blair): Jon & The Nightriders-Recorded Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go (January 10, 1981)

Release Date:  April 18, 2014

Label: VOXX

ORDER THE VINYL

Jon & the Nightriders tore the roof off Hollywood’s Whisky A Go-Go in January 1981. This legendary venue has hosted some of the most iconic live performances in music history, and that night in January was captured for this LP.

 

The Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go LP is heavyweight quality vinyl purchased directly from Jon Blair.

 

Here is the lineup of musicians for the classic surf rock recording:

Jon Blair-Lead Guitar

Dave Wronski-Rhythm Guitar

Niki Sixx-Bass (Not the Motley Crue band member. Listen to the interview)

Dusty Watson-Drums

 

What a powerhouse of talent! Wronski’s rhythm guitar is a force to be reckoned with, a fact proven by his future lead performances with Slacktone. And with his bandmate Dusty Watson on drums, this lineup is a force of nature.

 

If you’re a surf instro fan, you will immediately recognize all the classic tracks the band covered.

The recording is excellent musically and for overall clarity and crispness of sound. Additionally, you get a download card for your digital archives with four bonus tracks. These include three alternate versions of classic tracks, providing a unique perspective on the band’s performance.  It is quite the package of music.

 

This record explodes with some incredible surf rock instrumentals. “Rumble At Waikiki” kicks things off, and it’s a wild way to start. The music is blasting at full volume. This is the way this music should be played, just as Dick Dale did when the first wave of surf commenced.

 

Every track is superbly done with the vintage reverb, tremolo, and glissando riffing in the spotlight every step of the way. For instance, on “Surf Party,” the band cranks, and you get a good taste of all those aspects of this music.  

 

While every track is played with speed and accuracy, more than a few are in hyperdrive. “Force of Gravity,” a bonus track, is an excellent example of that.

 

Worthy of note are all the transitions they make within each track. Even though the music is known for its short recording times, one of the trademarks is how transitory it can be.

 

The Marketts get a nod on the other bonus track on Side B with “Outer Limits.” The Ventures’ “Walk Don’t Run” and The Astronauts’ “Baja” get their due as well on the digital download. You will hear fired-up versions of those legendary tunes, with the bass and guitar cranking it out.

 

The six-and-a-half-minute “Medley” is excellent. As “Banzai Washout,” “Surf Jam,” and “Pipeline” get the Nightrider treatment. Chances are, you have not heard these songs played live in such a way on a surf instro LP too often. They just cut loose on every track and rock out.

 

Recorded Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go is not just a look at surf music history; it’s a visceral experience. The passion, color, and precision with which each track is played are a testament to the enduring power of live music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

August 4, 2025

Tracks: A1. Rumble At Waikiki 2:44 A2. Mr. Moto 1:58 A3. Surf Party 2:21 A4. The Nightrider 2:03 A5. Surfin' And Spyin'1:31 A6. Hawaii Five-O 1:39 A7. Force of Gravity * Bonus B1. Baja 2:34 Medley (6:13) B2.a Banzai Washout B2.b Surf Jam B2.c Pipeline B3. Church Key 2:15 B4. Squad Car 1:55 B5. Outer Limits* Bonus Digital Download Bonus Tracks: 15. Walk Don't Run 2:41            16. The Nightrider (alt) 2:15       17. Squad Car (alt) 1:55 18. Baja (alt) 2:47

        

Surf Rock Review: The Fuzziyama Surfers-Nagahama / Chanbara Ogin EP

Release Date: August 2025

Website

After their debut album Wild Echizen (Otitis Media Records, 2022), The Fuzziyama Surfers from Japan’s megapolis Nagoya are back with a small CD. The four-track EP was successfully launched at the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in Long Beach, California, in August 2025. This marked the band’s inaugural live performance on American soil. Following this, the silver disc will only be available in their homeland.

We know today that surf music was smuggled into Japan many decades ago by the secret agent Mr. Moto. There, he handed the electronic circuit diagrams over to the custodians of the three-string long-necked lute. This led to the electrification of plucked instruments in the Far East, and “Eleki” was born. The rest is history.

 

Fuzziyama is, as electric guitar players will immediately notice, a portmanteau of "Fujiyama" and "Fuzz Box". The latter is an essential distortion device used to create sawing sound effects on the guitar. Here, this marvelous thing is equated with the sacred mountain of the Japanese.

 

The band’s mastermind and composer is Masumi Fujio, who is known to everyone in the scene as “Fuzzio”. He already rocked with the “surfin’ instrumental band” The Windows and did his finger exercises diligently. He has long deserved a place in the “Nippon Guitars” hall of fame. No one else in the Far East plays “Misirlou” more in tune across the frets than he does.

 

In any case, the artwork for his new sound carrier, designed by Chiaki (the band’s second guitarist) using the two-color duplex process, is a success. The reduction in color makes it stand out from other record sleeves. But what’s even more striking is that the Fuzziyama Surfers have a female drummer.

 

It is said that Karen Carpenter from the Carpenters is the reason why there are comparatively many female drummers in Japan. During their successful 1974 tour (see Live at Budokan), a woman was seen drumming for the first time in Japan, triggering a boom that continues to have an impact today.

Nakkie from the Fuzziyamas is currently one of the best live drummers on the scene. Her playing swings, which is so crucial to surf beat. Through her personality and her spontaneous screeches, she also brings a lot of energy and vitality to the band.

 

This blood-pressure-increasing stage sound is captured unadorned on all of the band’s recordings. The following four tracks were frantically taped in spring 2025 in Geru Matsuishi’s earthquake-proof recording studio on the outskirts of Japan’s “motor city”, Toyota.

 

(1)“Nagahama” (長浜) means “long beach” in Japanese and possibly refers to the location of the band’s first guest performance in the US. Unusually for surf music, the piece begins with a piano chord progression, which immediately calls to mind the forgotten oldie “Nut Rocker” by B. Bumble and the Stingers. Although the piano was a vital element of early style-defining surf bands such as the Bel-Airs and the Challengers, it is reviled in the genre today and has largely been replaced by the organ. The fast-paced interludes in “Nagahama” even evoke progressive rock, revealing that the composer is a “child in time” who floats in deep purple spheres.

 

(2) “Oh! Showgatsu” (お正月) is a traditional Japanese lullaby sung to young children on New Year’s Eve. Shōgatsu, the turn of the year, is one of the most important holidays in Japan. However, a night’s sleep is not on the cards here. The band pulverizes the bedtime song with an unbridled “lock’n’lol” attitude.

 

(3) “Chanbara Ogin” (チャンバラお銀) is a nod to Kagerō Ogin, a female ninja character from a light-hearted Japanese soap opera who is adept at cheating and poisoning. “Chanbara” is the Japanese genre term for samurai films. Not entirely inappropriately, the track has a spaghetti western feel. However, the guitars remain as sharp as the blade of a katana longsword.

 

(4) Things continue to be martial in “Kita-Kaze” (キタカゼ). The title means “North Wind”, but also refers to the eponymous Japanese Tier IX destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Second World War ship has long since been scrapped, old rivalries have blown away in the wind, and a pacific friendship has developed between Americans and Japanese people.

 

Japan may well be the main factor why the surf music community is global today. Bands like the Fuzziyama Surfers are continuing the instrumental rock tradition that Takeshi Terauchi and the Blue Jeans started so gloriously in the early ’60s.

 

Although their EP has only four tracks, it introduces you to a wide range of Japanese popular culture. Want more? This sample CD is meant to whet your appetite for the band’s upcoming LP. You could say it’s the miso soup before the sashimi.

 

Jimmy Dee, Staff Writer at Surf Music and Art

Tracklist:

01. Nagahama (長浜)

02. Oh! Showgatsu (お正月)

04. Chanbara Ogin (チャンバラお銀)

05. Kita-Kaze (キタカゼ)

 

 

 

Surf Instro Review: The Stingrays Surf Band - Don't Fear The Reverb

What do three kids from Southern California have in common with surf music? You wouldn’t think all that much. To the contrary, they play the music like they were born to spread the word of reverb like it was Gospel.

Their ages range from 14 to 16, and they are The Stingrays Surf Band, and their album is titled Don’t Fear The Reverb (their nod to Blue Öyster Cult). 

This is what it was like in the 60s. High school kids would surf, dance, and play this new thing called surf music. This is 1999, and things have changed. The excitement of the music is still alive, but the kids are different and have more resources available to them.

 

The talent of this young group is far beyond their years of experience.

 

They sound more like a group of seasoned veterans rather than a bunch of overzealous teenagers. They’re a lightning speed power trio with all the exuberance and optimism of youth going for them, plus a great future to look forward to. What more could you ask for? Life is good for The Stingrays.

 

On the track "La Chancha," a Latin-salsa flavored trumpet gives it that south-of-the-border feel. That was an unexpected pleasure. They also do some good covers of the classics, "Pipeline" and "Nitro." However, it's their unique interpretation of these classics that truly sets them apart. Every song is very well done with the essence of that classic reverb-filled surf sound.

 

I can’t imagine how these young men will sound once they are further along in development. I wish more teenagers would start picking up guitars and create music like this. Who knows? Another golden age of surf could begin again...

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 29, 1999

 

Tracks:

01. Don’t Fear the Reverb

02. Los Mosquitos

03. Sunnyside Up

04. La Chancha

05. Hawaiian Pullout

06. Bodybag

07. Weiners and Beans

08. Pipeline

09. Larry’s Got A Longboard

10. Impact Zone

11. Sabrina

12. Gone Surfing

13. Nitro

Surf Instro Review: The Neptunes - People Of Earth, We Are The Neptunes

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeptunesBand/

How many people does it take to make one great surf group? Three very talented musicians, that’s how many. It’s all done very simply with guitar, bass, and drums. Tom Walzem (guitar, bass), Steve Carter (guitar, bass) and Eric DeGroot (drums) are The Neptunes. I am not sure if they are people of the Earth, though. They play like they’re from another world.

On People Of Earth, We Are The Neptunes, there is some of the best double-picking (I was probably referring to glissando at the time) and twang that I have heard from the third wave of surf groups. The boys commit a fine mixture of traditional, third-wave, and rock to CD. Infectious, rocking, and energetic surf-instro tunes come crashing upon your eardrums, each track brimming with a unique energy and originality. Beware of the wake that follows. It’s all done with style. Every song has its own originality (cover or original).

 

Music like surf can sound the same. Groups must be creative and possess the know-how to utilize their diverse talents to the fullest potential, ultimately creating something original and fresh. There is no redundancy in any of the material presented on this album. The Neptunes succeed in keeping it interesting.

 

I noticed on track nine, "Gemini," that there is a very familiar drum-beat and guitar break. Does "Wipe Out" ring a bell? That material still holds up after all these years. The Neptunes use it very cleverly, and it sounds terrific. I don’t know if it was intentional or if it just ended up sounding that way, but it works pretty nicely. This is a strong CD from start to finish.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 29, 1999

Tracks:

01. Hannah

02. Cement Shoes

03. Wildcat

04. Beguiled

05. Spaghetti Luau

06. Iron Lung

07. Talking to Trees

08. Supercell

09. Gemini

10. Dance of the Moorish Idol

11. On to lo

12. In From the cold

13. My Dark Dream

14. Razilla

15. The Outsider

16. I Walk Alone

Surf Instro Review: The Frigidaires-Hot Vacation

Release Date:  September 26, 2025

Label: Sky Lantern Music (BMI)

Website

It’s that time of year to take a Hot Vacation with The Frigidaires. That’s right, folks, get your ticket to a surf music paradise. As part of the experience, they also offer an in-flight cocktail. This refreshing concoction perfectly complements the album’s retro surf rock vibe, complete with the recipe for their favorite drink (on the back cover).

The fourteen tracks on this long player bring you all the twists and turns and transitions a band can come up with in each track. And for a bit of spice and variety, they offer three vocal tracks.

 

This album is available for download, CD, and a 12” vinyl version, Limited edition of 500 in the following variants:

100 Summer Heat (red)

100 Summer Sun (yellow, this version)

300 Summer Night (black)

 

This is an excellent album that not only embodies retro sounds but also has the power to transport you to different settings. The high-energy guitars, bass, and drums create vivid imagery, whether it’s the pounding surf at high tide or the relaxed atmosphere of a beach veranda. These atmospheres are expertly crafted by this band from Atlanta, making you feel as though you’re right there.

 

Most appropriately, they lead off with the title track “Hot Vacation.” Driving rock-pop with the essence of the Beach Boys’ harmonies and melodies reaches out to you. Starting with a vocal track, I found it an interesting choice, as they primarily focus on their colorful instrumentals. There is a surfy picking interlude tucked in there for a teaser, and it closes out with some Davie Allan-like fuzz. Essentially, what you get are bits and pieces of what they are in the lead-off track. What you find going forward, you will Love.

 

“The Beast” jumps right into surf instro with impact, followed by some trumpet to give it that “at the bullfight” feel, reminiscent of Herb Alpert. Then, a transition into some twang and reverb with a Latino twist. The bass and drums are exceptional, as the mysterious and intriguing atmosphere draws you in. It’s a fine day to bring your surfboard to the bullfight!

 

“Weary Travelers,” indeed, after trying to surf at a bullfight. The tempo is dialed back a few notches to evoke a warm, beachy atmosphere. The guitar paints the picture nicely. Smooth transitions with tempo changes are all well done. You can almost feel the sun and warm breeze.

 

“Cliff Divers” are legendary in remote beach areas. The track also reaches back to the retro first-wave sound, featuring a good melody and strong band interplay, with tastefully executed crashing cymbals, as the guitar has a clear pathway to take the lead and dive in.

“Pipe Dreams” continues with a retro sound, featuring a solid rhythm section, as the guitar creates its beauty with resonating strings. Those strings sing their song as you look back in time when all this started.

 

“Why Do You Run?” is the second vocal track. The tempo is like a waltz, a dance for lovers. The sounds reminded me of songs you would hear in the 50s, like on Ozzie and Harriet and Rickey doing one of his hits. Simple times are portrayed in a song. It doesn’t get any more real than that. This is the longest track at 4:29.

 

“Beachcomber’s Gold” is a sound coming from the Tiki Lodge on the beach. As you sip your cold drink in a coconut, you know, the one with the little umbrella in it? You can picture it as you sit under the palm tree, away from the heat of the sun. The surf guitar lines and the beat create a distinctive sound reminiscent of a visit to the surf lounge.

 

 “La Calle” returns to surf rock and melodicism of the utmost excellence.  The rhythm guitar lays down a steady riff as the lead glides over the top with definition, like the perfect wave every surfer looks for. Some of the best guitar playing is showcased in this track, which is filled with hooks and consistent tempos.

 

“Mavericks” begins with rapid picking, then transitions quickly to a more melodic style, before returning to a glissando style. Back and forth it goes, like a tide coming in and going out. Excellent rhythm guitar is key here, and the lead riffing cuts loose with straight-ahead surf instro magic.

 

“Roger, Roger” was my favorite track. The drums lay down the beat as the resonating guitar line instantly made me think of The Shadows. The galloping licks are a highlight. Clear, crisp, and wonderful percussion is executed once again, with their sound emulating a horse trotting. A brief organ passage closes it out.

 

“Canyon’s Call” is tremolo perfected at the outset. It sounds like a western theme is developing here, kind of like the old Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns. Drums are excellent when paired with the bass, and some fine guitar work, along with a climactic ending, make this a picturesque journey.

 

“You Read My Mind” is their last vocal arrangement.  And it is such a big step away from the previous track. Like someone walked up to the jukebox and kicked it, put their quarter in, and chose their songs to change the mood. You are reminded of this band’s diversity and overall talent.

 

“Arrows Out” is their tribute to Davie Allan and The Arrows. And man, do they do it right. The distorted guitar is yet one more huge step away from their core sound. The drums are nice and loud, and the pace is evenly paced, as the bass holds a steady line.

 

Surf music is all about the imagery it can create in your mind’s eye. To do it without words is more difficult, however, I believe it’s more effective. The Frigidaires accomplish that with conviction on Hot Summer.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

July 25, 2025

Tracks:

01. Hot Vacation

02. The Beast

03. Weary Travelers

04. Cliff Divers

05. Pipe Dreams

06. Why Do You Run?

07. Beachcomber’s Gold

08. La Calle

09. Mavericks

10. Roger, Roger

11. Canyon’s Call

12. You Read My Mind

13. Arrows Out

14. He Who Greets With Fire

Surf Instro Review: The Knights - Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style

Buy The Album

Now this is great instro music! The Knights come roaring back with their second release, Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style, right on the heels of the comeback CD Surfin’ The Web, which I covered earlier this year. I think they are back, and in a big way.

Most of the tracks in this album are original, and they are all exceptional. The group’s talent shines through in these dynamite original tunes. After a 30-year hiatus, they were getting their feet wet with the first CD. This album presents a softer surf sound, a departure from the loud, hard, and fast reverb-drenched music. It’s a sound with more depth and substance.

Despite the softer sounds, this music packs a powerful punch, albeit in a different way. The album features a unique blend of blues and surf, creating an original Santa Fe Style Surf sound, as bass player Gary Snow’s wife Judi and engineer Steve Hudgins so aptly describe. This perfectly coined phrase also serves as a fitting title for the album.

I am reminded of Tex-Mex George Tomsco (RIP) when I listen to this. That is a big compliment as Tomsco is one of the best instrumental guitarists around, he has been for some 40-odd years. It’s spicy and flavorful, just as the colorful cover art, which features vibrant and lively imagery, indicates. This group is in a groove and better than ever.

Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style is a stylish and well-tailored session that is truly impressive. The experience and expertise of the group in the music business are evident in the high-quality production and superb sonics that consistently caught my ear.  Please take a listen to their instro stew, it’s cookin’ with some extra spice!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 6, 1999

Tracks:

01. Surfin' Santa Fe Style

02. Cut Out Y2K

03. Judi

04. The Man Who Wasn't There

05. Jeannie

06. Surfin' The Southwest

07. Moonbeam 2000

08. Precision 2000

09. Ghost Riders In The Sky

10. Legends

11. Wipe Out

 

Surf-Instrumental-Rock-Punk Review: Lombego Surfers-Full Tank Of Tiki

https://lombegosurfers.net/

I think that I have finally figured out how to explain the Lombego Surfers’ sound. Think of The Clash on speed meets The Sex Pistols meets Dick Dale. So there you have it - the four major music groups all in one musical meal: punk, rock, surf, and rock.

I am not pleased with the direction this group is taking. The people who get off on the rapid-fire punk like The Ramones will Love Full Tank Of Tiki.

 

I prefer the instrumental work on this album, which consists of only three tracks. "Reverends Ride" is smokin’ and peelin’ out on two tires, leaving behind a trail of smoke and fire. "Acceleration" keeps the tires spinning and "Backfire" spits out more of the same. The rest of it is punk rock in high gear.

 

I steadfastly believe that this group continues to grow with the direction of Anthony ‘Lombego’ Thomas at the steering wheel, although I think that they took a wrong turn somewhere on this album. After hearing the first track, it set me up for more of the same, but alas, I was not going to get my instro fix this time around.

 

I heard a lot of growth on "Reverend’s Ride." They sounded like the Cadillac Hitmen. That Western surf-instrumental sound with a hard edge gets my blood circulating. I think that if this group pursues a strictly instrumental direction with their sound and experiments further, they will have the right mix and sound for my taste.

 

Full tank? I would say so, but only because of the wrong fuel at this stop.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
November 11, 2001

Tracks:

01. Reverends Ride

02. So Low Down

03. Makes No Difference

04. Full Tank ]

05. Grab It

06. Pumping My Heart

07. Up For Anything

08. Gimme The Shakes

09. In Their Eye

10. Acceleration

11. Wrap It Up

12. Backfire

13. Highball

Surf Instro-Spy-Lounge Review: Seks Bomba - Somewhere In This Town

Seks Bomba’s Somewhere In This Town is a unique fusion of your favorite surf-instrumental and spy thriller movie soundtrack bands. 

They skillfully blend excellent twang and instrumental using diverse methods, creating a truly one-of-a-kind sound.

What you will hear is a refreshing take on traditional surf, infused with modern technology to create a snappy and fresh sound. It’s like a cool sea breeze coming off the wake of a large wave, a musical wave that will surely excite your senses.

The vocals in Seks Bomba’s music are reminiscent of the background music in a James Bond flick from the sixties. Their original “It Takes Two To Tango” is a well-executed throwback, while their rendition of Bacharach’s “Casino Royale” and Mancini’s “Charade” would make any composer proud.

The instrumentals like “Matt’s Bossa” are excellent examples of the group’s ability to transport you to a tropical paradise. They use a sexy saxophone to create a sound that is upbeat and stylish, crafting a musical journey that makes you feel like you’re on a sunny beach.

I look forward to every Seks Bomba release. They have the knack for mixing it up by using all the styles available to them in the genre, so it never gets boring or stale. This CD is highly recommended.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

August 1, 2001

Tracks:

01. Bomba Au Go Go

02. Happy Hour

03. It Takes Two To Tango

04. 5-0-5!!!

05. Morfina

06. Love Me Pts. I & II

07. Sicilian Civilian

08. I.R.O.C.

09. Strangely Familiar

10. Agua De beber (Water To Drink)

11. Casino Royale

12. Charade

13. Fresh Perked

14. Somewhere In This Town

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