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

Instrumental Surf-Rock-Psychedelic Review: Kioea-Electric Surf EP

Release Date: June 7, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Kioea Is:

Carand Burnet- Guitar, Sitar, Synth, Vocals

Neil Collins-Bass

Matt Wilson- Drums

When I received a package from the band Kioea, I knew that it was going to be something different. Based on the introduction I read, it wasn’t just going to be a surf instrumental album, and it got me excited for what I was about to hear. I love surf instro; however, hearing something that is a few steps beyond that can also be intriguing.

The Electric Surf EP is a unique blend of atmospheric surf, rock, and psych. This musical journey features intriguing Middle Eastern influences, courtesy of the sitar. The use of a synthesizer for various effects throughout the tracks is another notable element. This complex mixture of music, each bit of it superb, is a testament to the band’s innovative approach. Despite the name, Kioea is not a Hawaiian band; instead, it hails from the vibrant music scene of Portland, Maine, and its surrounding areas.

Every track you will hear Carand’s guitar and earthy, wordless vocals. This adds another layer to the many other layers of guitar, bass, synths, sitar, and drums.

“Orca” begins the journey with a slow tempo and an atmospheric drone sound, a continuous, low-pitched note that creates a sense of depth and space in the music. Then the tempo picks up with some fast picking and rhythm guitar. Surfy leads and powerful drums follow. Here they set the precedence for ever-changing tempos and a transitory sound that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

“Canyon Wren” continues with the mellow vibes. A catchy melody then transitions to a different tempo, accompanied by a flash lead guitar lick before returning to the main melody. Another change comes with some echoing leads, which build up and then recede. Then you hear the bird itself (nice touch), and some wordless vocals come in again, and the bird sounds return with a dreamy atmosphere, creating an island paradise in your mind. Very picturesque and encouraging a listener to think about where they could be.

“Sun Fish” captivates the listener with its beautiful wordless vocals and strong bass and drums. The music’s transitory nature, changes in tempo and intensity, keep the listener engaged and intrigued. The band’s use of wordless vocals adds another layer of beauty to their music, making it a truly captivating listen.

“Paloma” is very melodic at the start, featuring wordless vocals. Drums and bass are excellent as they navigate through quick changes and sudden shifts in rhythm or melody, keeping the music fresh and engaging. Accompanied by guitar passages, which are a hallmark of these tracks, they provide a dynamic foundation.

The title track, “Electric Surf,” is quite different, featuring more wordless vocals. It is ambient and spacey, with a spacious and ethereal sound that creates a dreamy atmosphere, as the guitars, bass, and drums suddenly jump in. A smooth tempo is consistent, and excellent guitar work is a highlight. A changeover to some picking, followed by another switch, then a steady, rhythmic guitar, adds different layers of flavor as the tempos change. As with all their music, they create an atmospheric and dreamy soundscape with the addition of the wordless vocals.

“Province Lands” closes things out with a sitar and crickets chirping in the background. This is a live recording from a Simplify Yoga Retreat. It is an ambient meditative listen. So, the album ends like it was a new age instrumental album rather than a surf-tinged instrumental rock effort. Very different but quite enjoyable.

I would call their music progressive instrumental surf. Now that is a title you will rarely hear, and it takes a lot of elements for me even to suggest it. But here it is, have a listen and see for yourself.  If you are yearning for something entirely different, you will find it on the Electric Surf EP.

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

July 27, 2025

Tracks:

1. Orca 03:14

2. Canyon Wren 04:26

3. Sun Fish 03:31 video

4. Paloma 02:38

5. Electric Surf 05:34

6. Province Lands 03:44

Surf Instro Review: Light Valley Shadows-Rapid River

You may find the latest release from Light Valley Shadows, Rapid River, a delightful surprise. Their unique blend of influences from The Shadows and The Ventures creates a distinct sound that sets them apart.

This album is a testament to the band's infectious energy. The covers are executed with precision, and the original material is truly impressive. It's a complete package of bouncy fun and excitement.

Their music is very tasteful, and the colorful cover leads you to believe that what's inside will be a great experience. It is true to form as the group navigates 19 cuts of pure instrumental gold (as they refer to their music on their website) with an effortless and natural style.

There is a nice flow to this recording. The mixture of covers and originals keeps you on your toes and interested in what's coming next. The group succeeds in all aspects and leaves you in an upbeat and fancy-free mood. That's what it's all about.

The Light Valley Shadows have made a significant mark in the surf-instro realm with this album. Their success is evident in the upbeat and carefree mood it leaves you in. It's a journey worth taking.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 22, 2000

Tracks:

01. Man of Mystery

02. Perfidia

03. Rapid River

04. Atlantis

05. Peace Pipe

06. The Stranger

07. Time is Tight

08. Foot Tapper/ Walk Don´t Run

09. Little B

10. Midnight in Moscow ( Podmoskovnyje Vetjera )

11. Sleepwalk

12. Round and Round

13. FBI

14. Gonzales

15. Find Me a Golden Street

16. The Boys

17. Quartermaster's Store´s

18. Frightened City

19. Passage through Millenniu

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Mulchmen - Greetings! From Planet Stupider

The only thing stupider than Greetings! From Planet Stupider, an instro fan would not pick up this fine slab of instro delight.

The Mulchmen, an immensely talented trio from Dayton, bring a unique sound that perfectly complements their sometimes-odd and unconventional musical surroundings. Their music is a delightful blend of instrumental rock that is sure to intrigue any music enthusiast.

 

The Mulchmen are Nick Kizirnis (cruise director), Brian Hogarth (Co-Pilot), and Gregg Spence (Navigator). That is lead guitar, bass, and drums in that order.

 

Big Beef Records has some prime cuts coming from their studios on this vibrant and diverse album. You can't quantify it as just surf, yet its influence echoes in the distance. This is instrumental rock. How do you stick a group like this in a particular genre? You just can't. Tabbed as surf-rock, they prove time and again that it's a very narrow description of their diverse sound. Their range is too far into the distant galaxies of instrumental wanderings to be categorized.

 

This is an excellent example of how to use your talent and explore and experiment with music. It's much easier to do when you don't have to sing a note. Let the music do the talkin'.  It speaks loud and clear, and it works.

 

Listening to The Mulchmen and their music was an entirely enjoyable experience. Their talent and creativity shine through in every note, making it a must-listen for any music fan.

 

As I listen to The Mulchmen, I find myself scratching my head and wondering why I haven't heard more of these guys. Their music is a testament to their talent and dedication, and it's a wonder they're not more well-known. They cook, and their fine-tuned synchronization is a joy to listen to. If you're an instro head, you need to get smarter and listen to Greetings! From Planet Stupider.

 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

January 17, 2000

Tracks:

01. Delta Velocity

02. Backscratcher

03. Spank The Lightning

04. The Stalker

05. Go-Go-Boot Camp

06. Pocketful Of Pennies

07. Yek-259

08. Lowdown

09. Automatic Egypt

10. Tiddytwister

11. Demanding The Impossible

12. Shadow Walk

13. Ripchord

14. Dr. Cyclops/Danger Todd Robinson

Surf Instro-Garage Rock Review: Monster Party 2000 - Various Artists

What did you dress up as this Halloween? Did you have enough candy for all the groveling rugrats? None of it matters if you had Monster Party 2000 blaring out into the street. This CD is eerie, scary, and cool all wrapped into one package. Look no further than MuSick Recordings to make every Halloween a real party.

MuSick Recordings, known for its selective approach, doesn’t flood the market with music. Instead, they carefully curate their releases, ensuring that each one is a unique and special addition to your collection.

Some of the best instrumental, garage, and instro artists are gathered together on this CD, offering a diverse range of music styles. From reverb excitement that makes your blood curdle to howling speakers, this CD promises a musical journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I guarantee you will be the hippest house on the block if you play this music while the pumpkin is all aglow with its fiendish smile, beckoning the wary to approach your haunted house.

This is no trick, it’s a treat, and it rocks. This bag of treats is jock full of surf-instro, garage, punk, and good old rock and roll to make your party the best in town. Some of the guests are The Boss Martians, known for their high-energy surf rock; The Space Cossacks, masters of instrumental rock; Satan’s Pilgrims, a surf rock band with a spooky twist; Hypnomen, a garage rock-surf-pysch sensation; and Los Straightjackets, a band that combines surf rock with Mexican influences! ...All of the heavy hitters.

This is not just music for a season, my friends, this is kick-ass music that's perfect for any time of year. So, whether it's Halloween, a summer barbecue, or just a regular day when you need a pick-me-up, grab your makeup, costumes, and masks (if necessary) and let’s rock! How can you go wrong when you start the party with the Munsters’ theme?

This was a lot of fun, and that’s what it’s all about. This kind of graveyard bash gets you loosened up right from the start. Let your hair hang down, get down and get weird, and enjoy this ghoulish platter.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 20, 2000

Tracks:

01. Welcome To The Party   

02. Frankenstomp-Satan’s Pilgrims   

03. Have You Ever Seen...?-The Boss Martians   

04. Transylvanian Orbit-The Space Cossacks

05. Frankie’s Groovy Monster Boots-Eddie Angel & The Omega Men   

06. Dracula’s Deuce-Freddy Fortune & The Four-Gone Conclusions

07. The Goon-Bleed     

08. Theme From “Young Frakenstien”-The Madeira    

09. Ghosts From Boot Hill-The Hellbenders  

10. Nosferatu-The 3-D Invisibles

11. The Pendulum-Hypnomen     

12. Daddy Long Legs-The Tiki Tones    

13. (Theme From) Slaying Beauty-Bambi Molesters   

14. Billy’s Dead-Deadbolt

15. Evil Walks In-Fifty Foot Combo   

16. El Monster Surfin’ Time    

17. Already Dead-Electric Frankenstein    

18. Roadside Cross-Cobrajets

19. Rockula-Los Straightjackets    

20. Dracula’s Daughter-The Woggles   

21. It’s The Mummy-The Chimps

22. Theme From “Young Frankenstein” (Reprise)-Madeira