Surf Instro Review: Los Straitjackets-Self-Titled

 https://losstraitjackets.com/

What do you get when you put a bunch of veteran instrumental rockers together, put Mexican wrestling masks on them, and let people wonder who they are? Well, Los Straightjackets, of course! Their self-titled album is terrific.

Some people have an idea of who they might be, but only they know for sure. Remember what Kiss did?

It is an excellent attraction; the excitement of the music, coupled with the unknown, is a perfect combination. 

Is anybody for "Brains & Eggs"? What a brilliant title. If you listen to the music, it goes with the song. That is one example of many.

These guys are so good! I wish they had more music available. I picked up some neat colored vinyl with a few neat tunes, but I want more!

You know, that's another thing about Surf music that's so cool; they have tons of stuff on vinyl in different colors, 45s and 33s, and elegant artwork as well, emulating the 1960s tradition, as the artwork is well known in the Surf Genre.

Check it all out. It's a wonderful world just waiting for you to enter. Dionysus Records or Double Crown Records has some great stuff!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

1998

Tracks:

01. Cavalcade   

02. The Casbah   

03. Wrong Planet  

04. Lonely Apache  

05. Outta Gear  

06. Pascifica

07. Espionage 

08. Swampfire   

09. Lawnmower   

10. Lurking In The Shadows  

11. Brains & Eggs

12. Venturing Out  

13. Tsuna   

14. Nightmare In Monte Cristo

Surf Instro Review: The Space Cossacks - Tsar Wars

https://thespacecossacks.bandcamp.com/

The long-awaited Tsar Wars from The Space Cossacks is finally here! The band has come a long way since their debut.

Following the massive success of Interstellar Stomp, the band solidifies its status as a top surf-instro group with this second full-length release.

 

The three-year wait was well worth it, as Tsar Wars brings a unique blend of reverb and twang that sets it apart from its predecessor and other surf-instro albums. The band's distinct sound will intrigue even the most seasoned music enthusiasts.

 

Ivan Pongracic and the group ignite the instrumental scene with their unique blend of reverb and twang. They'll send waves of reverb crashing into your mind or serenade you with soft, intricate melodies that harken back to The Shadows, a legendary instrumental rock band. Their sound is a refreshing departure from the norm, sure to captivate any listener.

 

Pongracic continues to amaze with his ever-improving skills. His ultra-fast picking style is a testament to his talent, challenging even the most seasoned guitarists. His potential to venture into new genres and create groundbreaking music is a testament to his skill and dedication, something that all music enthusiasts can appreciate.

 

I am as guilty as everyone else and tend to focus on Ivan; it's hard not to. So, what about the rest of the group? Without them, Ivan wouldn't be doing what he does so well. Mark English lays down a nice rhythm on guitar for Ivan to drop his snappy riffs upon, while Catherine Gray (bass) and Doug Hoekstra (drums) provide a possessed, power-driven rhythm section beyond compare.  It's a given...you should have the fastest and best skin pounder for great surf-instro music.

 

This group is not just rewriting the script; they're shaping the future of surf-instro music. With Tsar Wars, they've set a new standard, sparking debates about the most fantastic instro album ever made. Their influence and innovation will inspire the next generation of surf-instro musicians.

 

Keith "MuzikMan"  Hannaleck 

May 21, 2000

Tracks:

01. Exolumina 

02. Space Race 

03. The Apes Of Wrath

04. Tsunami Tsurprise

05. Escape From Gulag 

06. Sea Of Tranquility 

07.The Defector 

08. The Crusher 

09. Cossack Rocket Patrol 

10. The Jewel Of Duende 

11.  Departure 

12. Beyond The Third Star 

13. Tsar Wars  

14. iFiesta Del Cossacapulco! 

15. Tradewinds

Surf Rally For Cali: Fire Relief, by Various Artists

This collection of Instrumental Surf and Surf–Influenced tracks has been assembled to assist those affected by the recent California wildfires. All proceeds will support the American Red Cross California Wildfire Relief Efforts.

Many bands that contributed their work to support this cause are among the most highly regarded and creative in the genre, worldwide.  The individuals involved in this particular musical arena are known for their quality as musicians and as individuals, as demonstrated by their contributions to this endeavor. The bands in this genre have a global perspective, reach, and impact, and have chosen this cause as a focus for this effort.

We appreciate their contributions and sincerely hope that this collection of music will provide the much-needed motivation to make contributions to those impacted by the fires.

Surf Rock DVD Review: Merrell Fankhauser-Rainbow Bridge Revisited

Merrell Fankhauser and the island of Maui have a strong connection. The artist lived there for 14 years, during which Maui became a hotspot for UFO sightings. Fankhauser not only experienced these phenomena himself but also came to know the people who were eyewitnesses to those events, forming the basis of his unique perspective and musical inspiration.

Rainbow Bridge Revisited is a CD/DVD set that Fankhauser put together for Gonzo Multimedia and was released in June of this year. It offers a unique blend of music, interviews, and original footage, making it a must-have for fans of surf rock and UFO phenomena. Fankhauser's ability to translate his experiences into music has carved out a unique niche, and this set is a testament to his multifaceted talent.

 

Rainbow Bridge, the original movie, was the Jimi Hendrix movie. Fankhauser sets out to interview some of the remaining cast members of that movie. On the DVD, you get firsthand accounts of UFO sightings through interviews and original footage of surfers set to some of Merrell's great surf rock tracks. This unique blend of music and UFO stories, including the classic and appropriate "Calling From A Star," Will pique your interest. The rocking surf tunes set the tone. One of my all-time favorites and the best Merrell has ever performed is "Monster Swell." The track is filled with all the drama and unpredictability of the ocean. The song goes through several changes and is a complete surf-rock masterpiece. "Wild Gyrations" is another classic that will put the sun in your heart, the beach's warm sand on your toes, and images of surfers riding the immense waves of the Hawaii surf.

 

Although the footage of the surfers is quite old, it conveys the theme and location quite well. If you are looking for an HD-quality video, this is not it. If you appreciate up-close interviews, hearing about experiences of UFO sightings, and surf rock music, then you will love this set.

 

Merrell has always done a terrific job providing fascinating stories, interviewing people with tales, and adding great music to complete the experience. His dedication and passion for this project are truly admirable, and it's something you, as a fan, will surely appreciate.

 

Watching and listening to all this puts your head elsewhere, offering a different perspective. Some of the people being interviewed were spaced-out old hippies, but you cannot deny some of the events that have taken place on the islands of Hawaii. These accounts are just a part of the long history of extraterrestrial sightings that have been witnessed over the years, a history that you, as a fan of surf rock and UFO phenomena, are undoubtedly part of. What makes it unique is the involvement of Merrell Fankhauser, one of the most respected and admired musical talents ever known. This is a documentary you will not want to miss!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com

October 13, 2013