Release Date: August 1, 2025
Label: Hitchslap
Records
Hitchslap Records has put together a 14-track taster titled Can’t Surf On A Gas
Giant vol.1 to
discover some bands that may be new to you and to revisit some that are not.
This will resonate with listeners and bands all over the world. The
variety and genre-bending tracks never let up. Take it for a test drive, but
beware, some twists and turns come up on your fast!
The first band to receive instant recognition is at the top of
the list, with track #1, the Insect Surfers. They were one of the leaders of
surf rock when they arrived on the scene. They formed in Washington, D.C., in
1979. The group bills itself as “Planet Earth’s Longest-Running Modern Surf
Band!” I would not argue with that!
Insect
Surfers - "Bay of Bengal" kicks things off, and it’s a
fantastic start! This is genuine musical artistry at work. Their sound is
clear, sharp, and with the shifting guitar notes, it makes for an enjoyable
listen — not your typical surf instrumental track, clocking in at 3:40. I had
to listen twice; it’s a wave of sound with a powerful rhythm section. Their
position in the community was established decades ago, and this track confirms
they haven’t missed a step and are a flexible group of musicians. This fleeting
surf rock instrumental will resonate loudly and clearly! To my ears, this is
progressive surf.
Surfer
Joe - "Sunset” - Is an excellent addition to this comp.
Everyone knows who this man is! He does a lot for promoting the community and
records some great surf instro music. This is a sample of his sound, which is a
reach back to the first wave with some new pop and crackle.
Los
SuperAvengers (yes, they spell it that way) - "Perfect Wave”- Is another
nearly 4-minute exercise of musical prowess. They are all geared up like the
legendary Los Straitjackets with their Mexican wrestling masks. They were
formed in 2007 in Austin, TX, according to their Facebook page. They have a
melodic, fast-moving sound that is very smooth and catchy. This is their own
“Perfect Wave” of surf instro that is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
RAHMUS -
"Dracula’s Castle" – Is the band with the interesting name and look
with their “Ghost” masks, etc., as seen on their banner on Bandcamp. Just one
look at that and you’re thinking that they will probably be on the fringes of
surf and beyond. And they have a very cool sound! They take rock and reverb and
set it to a steady beat with plenty of oomph! Their sound is irresistible and
contagious.
The Invincible Speed Holes - "The Plague" -They are
all out rockin’ surf comparable to Man or Astroman? Some serious guitar
explosions occur during this track. It was like punk meets surf rock, with a
crushing rhythm section that was powerful.
Nuclear Juarez - "Spy School Dropout"
– Here we go with some surf spy music! Have to love these surf variations you
can listen to. A band with another great name! Here we get back to the little
over 2-minute jaunt, jam-packed with high-energy surf instro. Fast-moving and
full of melody, they get it done. Their nuclear reaction ticks, and the bomb
explodes to end the track, how appropriate considering their name.
Bat City Surfers - "The Lazer's Edge" –
Are flat out rockers on this track. Drums and cymbals crash as the guitar cuts
away its parts, razor sharp, with some use of a pedal for effects, making it
more interesting. They move at hyper speed without coming up for air, then a
quick transition to stopping for some commentary and back to their heavy surf
rock sound to close it out.
Frank Mustard Project - "Fireball" – Wins
the day for weird band names! They get it done in under 2 minutes with a fine
guitar run with effects. Twangy and surfing on a monster wave of sound, I love
it! The melody is familiar, and it certainly rocks hard.
Matagorda -
"They Called Him Raven" – If you’re ready for some surf western
spaghetti twang, then this band is your ticket to ride to that atmosphere, and
they paint that picture well. Almost 5 minutes, this is the mega track of the
comp. They take you through all the paces with their talents and get you right
in the mood to go to your TV and look for a good Western! Well done!
The Nematoads - "Difference Engine" - I recently had the pleasure of covering this recent release. This one is a real rocker with a soundscape that would fit a movie with intrigue, mystery, guys and dolls, and fast cars. The music is full of cutting-edge guitar licks and effects. Thanks to Ted James at Deep Eddy Records and the guitar player for the band for recommending this fantastic compilation!
JUDODOJO - "First Wave" -Dismisses any idea
that surf instro is one-dimensional. The guitar playing is superb on this
track, and the rhythm section roars along to complement that transitioning
guitar sound. The pedals for guitars are so crucial for this genre, and they make
good use of those tools. One wave after another of amazing sounds that will
have you diving in for another swim in their massive sound!
Northern Tides - "Route 32" -Has a
confident sound with a traditional twist to the approach. A little bit of
glissando peppered in there with some excellent guitar runs, all supported by
the “surf beat” we are all familiar with. A blast from the past to remember how
this all started, thanks, guys!
Sys Malakian - "Old Jaguar Twist" – Brings us
back to the first wave with some killer sound. Sys has been making his mark and
has the respect of fellow musicians from all over the planet. This is so good!
I feel like I just jumped into a time machine, and I am in SoCal on the beach
listening to all the favs of the day! Extraordinary musicianship, Sys!
AKAW! -
"Invasion Eminent" – This band ends this comp with a bang! I love the
way it starts with the voice of an announcer coming on to warn us of a
full-scale attack! This is the fun and colorful surf instro music, taking all
the elements and wrapping them into one track. They get it done in a little
over 2 minutes, which is no easy feat. This is an explosion of sound!
Can’t Surf On A Gas Giant vol.1 is fourteen tracks of great music that are consistent, varied, and stay within the surf instrumental arena and sub-genres, which is always great fun. This kind of music injects energy and color into your day, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again - I can guarantee it!
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
August
19, 2025
Tracks:
01. Insect Surfers - "Bay of Bengal" 03:40
02. Surfer Joe - "Sunset" 02:52
03. Los SuperAvengers - "Perfect Wave" 03:41
04. RAHMUS - "Dracula's Castle" 02:56
05. The Invincible Speed Holes - "The Plague" 02:09
06. Nuclear Juarez - "Spy School Dropout" 02:09
07. Bat City Surfers - "The Lazer's Edge" 02:47
08. Frank Mustard Project - "Fireball" 01:39
09. Matagorda - "They Called Him Raven" 04:50
10. The Nematoads - "Difference Engine" 03:45
11. JUDODOJO - "First Wave" 04:01
12. Northern Tides - "Route 32" 02:39
13. Sys Malakian - "Old Jaguar Twist" 02:12
14. AKAW! - "Invasion Eminent" 02:05
