Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Surf Hermits - Road Trip

 Release Date: August 4, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

The Surf Hermits is the one-man show of multi-instrumentalist Jason Deathrage. A one-man band is not new currently; however, the admiration I have for someone of this caliber never wanes for this listener.

Road Trip is written, produced, and performed by Jason Deatherage.

Things start with “Ursa Major” and resonating twang and driving rhythms that get your blood pumping right at the outset of this 12-track slice of surf rock instrumental. Punctuated by fluid, piercing lead guitar runs, then ending with some cool wah-wah effects, this track has everything that makes surf rock so great!

“Red Dust Rider” is that crazy looking dude on the cover of this album. The colorful artwork by Rude Commissions pops with urgency. The guitar playing is transitional, switching from surfy twang to flat-out rock lines. The combination is lethal and so effective.  Again, you get some wah-wah effects, then a quick switch back to more fuzzy surf lines. All the while, a second rhythm guitar keeps the energy consistent along with the drums and bass.

“Towards An Empty Land” opens with atmospheric guitar notes that build the composition. Wordless vocals arrive, adding another layer and making it sound like a worthy movie soundtrack. I really like the tone of this man’s guitar and the way he can transition so easily within one song. Tastefully done while maintaining a rock edge.

“When Waves Collide” is classic modern surf. An irresistible toe-tapping rhythm permeates this one. It reminded me of some of my favorite Merrell Fankhauser tracks, with that island/surf feel. I could listen to this kind of music for hours, love it! Excellent guitar work.

“Mountains Of Madness” continues along the same lines, however, with a darker edge to it. The bass and drums are the steering wheel, while the guitars are the accelerator. The sounds are full and twangy, resonating surf rock at its best. The effects come in towards the end with the wah-wah, which always adds another dimension to the overall sound.  It winds things up with a hard-driving finality.

Now it’s time to take a “Road Trip.” The title track should be the most important one to focus on for its effects on the listener’s consciousness. The guitar playing on this track is superb! Full of effects with the leads and some good rhythm backing from the second guitar and bottom end, this is one of the most complete compositions that will resonate with the surf instro audience.

“Dr. Zira's Velvety Lips” is an interesting title. This one has a retro sound, with all the guitar notes. It does get a bit more complex as it transitions; however, it then retreats to the original lines. Think of the first wave of surf with a modern touch and some rock elements woven in for color and energy. Interesting way to end it as well.

“The Faces Of Our Fathers” is a slow-burner with silky-smooth lead guitar and strummed acoustic backing. The drums and bass perfectly complement this step away from the energetic rockers. This is the tasteful island vibe I absolutely love to hear. A great example of diversity and all-around talent on display.

“Yugen” is the longest track, clocking in at 4:38. This one takes another turn in sound and texture. The strumming guitar provides a constant rhythm as the leads take on a different tone this time. The drums and bass build along the way as the lead has that surfy twang that holds on to you without fail again. Then there are some different guitar transitions we have not heard yet. The time spent is needed, given all the different tempos and changes. Three-quarters of the way in, it morphs into an all-out surf rocker that reminded me of something The Space Cossacks would do. So good!

“Night Flight To R'lyeh” has a notable driving bass line as the guitar moves in and out of changes. The tone here carries a certain amount of mystery, as indicated by the track title. It’s all about creating an atmosphere. On the one hand, there is the surf instro with a Middle Eastern influence, then flat-out psych rock. Very complex.

“Mission To The Dreamworld” speeds things up again with a lot of quick licks and driving rhythms. The echoing guitar lines are the trademark of The Surf Hermits sound, and here is a great example of that, regardless of what direction the guitar goes. Three-quarters of the way into this, there is a dramatic change, and it goes into full-on rock mode.

“Speaking With Ghosts” is the closing track and the only one under the three-minute mark.  This serves as a goodbye for now and a reminder of the resonant surf tones that this music commands at every turn. The drums and bass complete their fills, finishing off the spooky motif nicely.

Road Trip stands as a testament to Jason Deathrage’s musical vision and skill. The seamless blend of surf and rock elements keeps the listener engaged throughout, offering both energy and nuance with every track. Fans of instrumental surf—and anyone seeking a fresh take on the genre—will find plenty to enjoy in this dynamic, expertly crafted album.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 31, 2026

Tracks:

01. Ursa Major 3:05

02. Red Dust Rider 3:44

03. Towards An Empty Land 3:32

04. When Waves Collide 3:20

05. Mountains Of Madness 3:01

06. Road Trip 3:08

07. Dr. Zira's Velvety Lips 3:12

08. The Faces Of Our Fathers 3:22

09. Yugen 4:38

10. Night Flight To R'lyeh 3:33

11. Mission To The Dreamworld 3:17

12. Speaking With Ghosts 2:32

Surf Instrumental Compilation: Olas Rebeldes-La Suerte está echada (Surf Patrick's Day)

https://www.facebook.com/olas.rebeldes.2025

Olas Rebeldes-La Suerte está echada (Surf Patrick's Day), released March 17, 2023, is part of a series curated by Salvaje Olas Rebeldes, a project dedicated to promoting the underground surf rock and garage scene, with a particular focus on bands from Latin America and Spain. These releases often feature a mix of instrumental surf, punk-influenced surf, and traditional reverb-heavy tracks from various independent artists.

Surf Instrumental Review: Little Kahuna-One Against The World 7” Vinyl

 Release Date: March 26, 2026

Label: Independent

Website

Little Kahuna and the picturesque artwork on the cover of One Against The World capture the essence of the surf community at a single glance.

The 7" vinyl makes a great addition to any collection, blending the best of surf music and art in a single package.

Side 1, “One Again,” delivers a laid-back island vibe, with mellow tones and lap steel guitar echoing through the air. The track immediately transports the listener into a soft mood, enhanced by rich instrumentation and layered sounds.

Side 2, “Tidal Rush,” continues the mellow tones, evoking the sensation of sun and surf on a deserted island. A surf island tiki style prevails, with engaging tempo shifts and smooth transitions throughout.

Little Kahuna delivers a memorable two-sided slice of island surf instrumental.

“Relaxing waves of surf flow into your consciousness.”

This is music made for unwinding—perfect for soaking up the sun, sipping your favorite drink, and letting the gentle rhythms wash over you. With One Against The World, Little Kahuna pairs evocative surf instrumentals and vibrant cover art to perfectly embody the spirit of the surf community.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 26, 2026

Surf-Sci Fi-Rock Instrumental Review: Les Robots - Intermission | Optigan

 Release Date: March 20, 2026

Label: Double Crown Records

Website

The Dutch surf-rockers Les Robots are a “mechanical” duo from Rotterdam, known for their 1960s space-age sound and retro-futuristic stage outfits. While they often maintain the mystery of having been “programmed” by legendary producer Joe Meek, the humans behind the masks are well-known figures in the Dutch garage and beat scene.

Straight away, looking at the artwork on Intermission | Optigan and knowing some background on the origins of this band, I thought of Kraftwerk.

“An Alarming Start” is a wonderful beginning, featuring their “techy” sound alongside more traditional surf-instro guitar. The sound is clear, crisp, and defined. It has a modern edge while also giving the nod to when it all started back in the 60’s.

“When H.A.N.K.-B. and R-JoHN Collide” sounds like a different band entirely, reaching back to an old melody everyone will recognize with biting guitar lines and piano to give a more retro feel. This basic rock ‘n’ roll is something you can’t miss.

“N.O.V.A.” starts like a sci-fi soundtrack, then suddenly drops and changes entirely into a retro guitar-led sound straight out of a 60’s movie scenario with the strumming jazz-inflected guitar lines and then some echoing leads that resonate beautifully. Then the organ sounds like something you would hear at a roller-skating rink back in the day. So much nostalgia wrapped in on track!

“Slimy Matter” is yet another change in direction. This time, the guitar opens with a resonant, metallic sound, then switches to keys that sound poppier and lighthearted, then back to ominous guitar licks as you hear a whirling, whooshing synth sound, like the computer undergoing some kind of transformation. By all accounts, based on the track title, this is a science experiment that has dreadfully gone wrong! Interesting tune though!

Now, to really get you wondering what is happening. “Theme From Optigan” segues from the previous track and boom! You have been transported to another timeline. This one has a galloping bass line, drums to match, and a weird little synth-horn sound. Suddenly, a twangy guitar enters the mix as the backend continues down a more defined path. Quirky! And a few more surprises are coming: a spoken-word segment, then more wonderful weirdness.

“A Strange New World” indeed! This band is just full of surprises from track to track, and each one sounds entirely different from the last. There is an odd sound going on here as the piano tinkles away, along with one singular cymbal sound and another on the drum. I can’t keep up with all the crazy changes here, but I am loving it just the same!

“Wailin’ On Sound Waves” gets back to some good twangy rock and a little bluesy piano banging away for another layer. Then another one of those weird kazoo-like sounds. They put on their instrumental rocker shoes this time with a definite blues flavor.

“Solar-Sonata” takes you on another colorful ride of sounds and textures. The guitar strums out a consistent rhythm as different sounds pepper the track: the synth, other sounds I cannot define, and the organ, which sounds like a 60s-influenced arrangement. It’s a real toe-tapper most of the time.

“Flea Market On Planet P” starts interesting enough, but interesting and different is what this band is all about. The guitar is twangy, basic rock, as the synth adds its touch. Then another change in tempo and rhythm occurs, with a synth sounding like a buzzing bee as the guitar gets down and dirty, grungy. Then a sudden stop and return to the beginning of the cycle. Absolute musical madness, and I love it!

“Lajka’s Heart Rate” is one minute and sixteen seconds of rockin’ fun. It’s nonstop energy then straight into more weirdness with “Elektro Returns,” their version of sci-fi rock with hints of the bizarre, something you could imagine hearing on a grade B horror flick in the ’50s. Then a typically mysterious transition, and then an ending.

“The Last 3 Minutes Of Mars” brings this crazy train of musical montages to a close. It starts with an atmosphere of trepidation between the guitar and a constant “go to war” drum beat. This is a great way to end the recording, with plenty of atmosphere and the synths adding to the creepiness in the last three minutes. Twangy guitar lines, the end is near, then the sounds of an explosion, then what do you know, the Farfisa-sounding organ, bringing along its optimism, albeit creep-show-like, to end the journey.

Intermission | Optigan is one of the craziest and most diverse listens I have experienced to date. Les Robots live up to their name. They emerge from the remnants of the first wave of surf instro and methodically create their own unique wave. To define it all clearly is impossible, and kudos to them for keeping their sound outside the box rather than tucking it neatly into a genre. They have their own way into your consciousness. Their talent is more than evident, and I would advise spending time focusing on each instrument in a track individually, then on the track as a whole, before dismissing the resulting sound.

Intermission | Optigan isn’t for purists seeking classic surf sounds—Les Robots are after something entirely different, delighting in progressive experimentation at every turn. For listeners craving new sonic experiences and inventive twists, this album delivers in spades. Production, musicianship, and creativity are all first-rate, making it a standout in its genre-defying category. If you’re open-minded—and perhaps a bit adventurous—you’ll find plenty to enjoy on this wild musical ride.

Band Info:

The core members are: The "Programmed" Masterminds D.V.R. (Dave von Raven): Keyboards (specifically the Clavioline, Ondioline and Vox Continental), guitar, and bass. Outside his robot persona, he is the frontman of the popular Dutch beat band The Kik (formerly The Madd). R-JoHN (Arjan Spies): Drums, guitar, and bass. He is also a prominent member of The Kik, The Kryng (and formerly Mark & the Spies)

Live "Assisting Bots" When performing live, the duo is joined by two additional "droids" to create a full band sound: Pete-R: Bass guitar C.A.S.E.: Drums

Quick Facts Origin: Rotterdam, Netherlands (formed in 2018).

Sound: A mix of surf rock, instrumental rock 'n' roll, and "Space Age Pop. "The Gimmick: They perform in full robot costumes with silver masks and metallic suits, never breaking character as "mechanical men from outer space."

Key Gear: They are famous for using the Clavioline, a rare 1940s/50s vacuum-tube synthesizer that gives them their signature eerie, "Telstar"-esque sound.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 24, 2026

Tracks:

01. An Alarming Start 2:58

02. When H.A.N.K.-B. and R-JoHN Collide 2:09

03. N.O.V.A. 2:58

04. Slimy Matter 2:32

05. Theme From Optigan 2:25

06. A Strange New World 2:40

07. Wailin' On Sound Waves 1:45

08. Solar-Sonata 3:08

09. Flea Market On Planet P 3:24

10. Lajka's Heart Rate 1:16

11. Elektro Returns 2:53

12. The Last 3 Minutes Of Mars 3:00

Share Your Surf Instrumental Bandcamp Links

Support Your Local Scene!  

Bandcamp Friday might be over (or coming up!), but there’s never a bad time to support artists directly. Paste your Bandcamp links into the poll below so the community can find your music.

Pro-tip: If your link is too long for the poll box, feel free to drop it in the comments with a brief description of your sound! 

Drop your links in the comments section or go join the page Facebook Group and leave them there!

Surf Rock Review: The Madeira-Archipelago: The Best of The Madeira

 Release Date: June 26, 2023

Label: Tabu Recordings

Website

The Madeira began in 2004 in Indianapolis, IN. The band features Ivan Pongracic on lead guitar, founder of the 1990s surf music icons the Space Cossacks, and Patrick O'Connor on rhythm guitar, founder of the Indy space-surf mavens Destination: Earth!; Dane Carter on drums; and Todd Fortier on bass.

They have released seven recordings: Sandstorm (2005), Ruins EP (2006), Carpe Noctem (2008), Tribal Fires (2012), Sonic Cataclysm - Live (2014), Ancient Winds (2015), and Center of the Surf - Live (2018), all on Double Crown Records from Bellingham, Washington.

Archipelago: The Best of Madeira takes the best of those releases and encapsulates them into this 12-track compilation.

Madeira, officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira, is an autonomous region of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean about 805 km southwest of mainland Portugal. That will give you an idea of the foundation and inspiration of this music.

You are anticipating a great start to this before you hit play. Knowing who is involved with this project creates excitement just talking about it.

“The Saracen” jumps right into the high-energy focus with tremolo runs from Ivan Pongracic. Patrick O’Connor provides a steady rhythm guitar, while Dane Carter and Todd Fortier are the one-two punch on drums and bass. Here, that excitement is justified with a superb opener that sets the stage for this best collection and the excellent musicianship you would come to expect from this group of talented men.

“Journey to the Center of the Surf” begins in explosive fashion, something Ivan is known for with his highly technical mastery of the six-string. The tremolo runs are a highlight as he transitions to tasteful, tempered playing, then back to the rapid tempos that make this music essential surf-rock instrumental perfection. The solid support from the other positions in the band allows the lead guitar to weave its magic.

“Witch Doctor” falls one second short of four minutes. The complexities and layers of sounds continue to mesmerize you, the listener. Notably, guitar playing is incredibly lucid, and the drums and bass step back on the lower-tempo passages, then suddenly explode into a wall of sound again. The bass is so strong, and those cymbals are crashing with rapid drum rolls. A powerful exhibition of high energy and the ability to scale it back to a more mellow sound.

“Ancient Winds” has more traditional surf instro sound with an island feel. Even as the tempo picks up and the guitars resonate, you can hear the echoes of the 60s first wave. Now it feels like ancient winds (though the concept here means something different) as I look back on those many years that have passed. However, this listener never underestimates its relevance and meaning.

“Burning Mirage” starts off as a mellow lead-in before cranking up the volume and intensity.  As the title may suggest, the mirage is burning in your mind’s eye as the music picks you up and leads you there. So many transitions are happening here within this timeframe. Another impactful track.

“Into the Deep” is the longest track at 4:30 and certainly could be a defining statement of the band’s music and driving force. The track leads in with a dreamy, resonating sequence as you wait for another one of those dramatic changes. The pace picks up somewhat; however, it remains restrained and quite beautiful as the composition takes shape. About three-quarters of the way, it comes to a head and explodes into a crescendo of sound, with the bottom end sounding like waves crashing to shore. No sooner than that passage reaches its pace, it reverts to the softer side of their sound, with the sound of waves, and fades out.

“Tribal Fury” returns to the high-octane excitement of previous tracks. The tremolo guitar runs return, with razor-sharp leads interspersed, as the rhythm guitar and the back end serve as the locomotive engine driving this musical train. A distinctive Middle Eastern sound comes into focus as they continue to rock out in classic Dick Dale style, shredding with authority. The music fits the title perfectly.

“Undercurrents” is where Ivan’s lifelong love of The Shadows is in the spotlight here. Hank Marvin would be proud. The tasteful, elegant picking is a credit to his knowledge of the history of instrumental rock and to his status as one of its progenitors. The bass and drums carry a jazz-like beat and rhythm as the guitar’s notes cut a path through the air.

“Caravella” once again changes the trajectory of their music style and flow. The guitars are simply roaring here with the tremolo runs and reverb. Suddenly, it stops momentarily, then catches fire again, and we are off and running into six-string land from the lead and rhythm. The bottom end continues to play, inspired by rapid-fire bursts. So much is going on at once, but the recording's separation is excellent.

“Cities of Gold” may be a tribute to the lost tribes of the Incas and the Mayans; however, the sound has a smooth, crisp tone that makes you feel the sun and surf as if you are right there enjoying them. Tremolo rules once again with transitory runs that keep you engaged. I thought of a few of my favorite Merrell Fankhauser albums I had the pleasure of enjoying decades ago. Everything I love about surf instro came together in this track like the ebb and tides of the ocean.

“Rolling Thunder” grabs you right away with a Spaghetti Western flair and a picturesque sunset off in the distance as you ride to your destination through the music. Sounds of the wild west are heard as the tremolo heightens the picture. The music is superbly rendered once again, creating an atmosphere of energy and color that has you reminiscing and looking forward to the future of this surf instro genre and to what a band’s diversity can bring.

“Sandstorm” is the perfect closer with the Middle Eastern twang and tremolo runs. This is the band in their element. The power of the music sweeps you away, as the title would indicate. Pure excitement and non-stop energy are the only way to close this out. They give it all they have, then finish it with a touch of mellowness with the guitar and say goodbye.

Archipelago: The Best of The Madeira stands as a vibrant tribute to this surf-rock instrumental supergroup. From the first track to the final note, the album captivates and holds you. The seamless fusion of talent from musicians with diverse backgrounds results in a dynamic and memorable sonic experience, showcasing the enduring power of collaboration in music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 20, 2026

Tracks:

01. The Saracen 2:26

02. Journey to the Center of the Surf 3:20

03. Witch Doctor 3:59

04. Ancient Winds 2:49

05. Burning Mirage 2:35

06. Into the Deep 4:30

07. Tribal Fury 3:23

08. Undercurrents 2:36

09. Caravella 3:33

10. Cities of Gold 3:49

11. Rolling Thunder 3:12

12. Sandstorm 3:31

Surf Rock Sci-Fi Instrumental Review: Music For Alternate Realities, Vol 2 - Thee Leviathans and The Tentakills

Thee Leviathans

The Tentakills

Product Link

Music For Alternate Realities, Vol 2 is a collaboration between two bands, Thee Leviathans and The Tentakills. Tabu Recordings continues to be one of the leaders in surf, rock, and instrumental recordings while offering limited-edition vinyl of its releases.

“Unholy Mackeral” starts with a bang, right into a surf instro sound with a sci-fi touch, then suddenly shifts to a more western theme, and once again changes, this time with the guitar bringing a bevy of twang, reverb, and a sci-fi western sound. It’s all rolled into under three minutes. A dynamic range of color and atmospheres merge for an incredibly entertaining opener.

“Enter The Spy Magician” has a retro sound with resonating guitar notes and an organ in the background for that extra push into the wayback machine. Twang is prevalent with a nice flow and rhythm. They maintain the sci-fi feel and keep the surf instro intact. I really enjoyed the combination of styles so clearly presented.

“Escape From Bermuda” takes off into a full-on surf instro rocker. The images of large waves and surfers come to mind right away as the tremolo kicks into high gear. This is a traditional fast mover with all the advantages of today’s recording techniques. Things shift to a different tempo and overall sound, with amazing guitar playing, then back to the core sound. There are hints of Middle Eastern influences woven in as well.

Then it segues right into “Daggertooth,” which rocks and shifts to a down-tempo mode, with some tasteful guitar playing. The softer parts build into the more complex passages as the drums and bass pound out the rhythms with precise authority. It shifts yet again, sounding like a third major change. Then, to top it off, the rapid-fire drums create an epic backdrop for the other instruments to follow with equal energy and emphasis.

Music For Alternate Realities, Vol 2 is a musical cornucopia that any instrumental fan will enjoy. The album masterfully blends strong musicianship with the signature elements of surf instrumental music, while boldly exploring new sonic directions. Each track offers its own distinct flavor, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. This collaboration stands out for its creativity and diversity, and I look forward to what these artists will deliver next.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 18, 2026

Tracks:

1. Unholy Mackeral 02:52

2. Enter The Spy Magician 03:07

3. Escape From Bermuda 02:12

4. Daggertooth 03:20

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Various Artists-Deep Eddy Records New Music Sampler 2026

 Release Date: February 24, 2026

Label: Deep Eddy Records

Website

Ted James’ label, Deep Eddy Records, has put together a 10-track sampler for surf instrumental fans. It also features his bands, The Nematoads and Squid Vicious.

The KBK kicks it off with a real rocker titled “75878986-26 (Initialize Transmission).” This is a powerful blast of rock to get the blood and waves flowing. Man or Astroman? came to mind a few times, with the background dialogue going on and the way the guitars combined surf and rock elements so impressively.

RAHMUS – “October's Theme” continues the high-energy surf rock.  This one has a different tone and atmosphere with some good echoing reverb. It’s an in-your-face rocker that says Listen! And you will. Tight and musically superb!

The Neptones – “Bikini Atoll” changes direction entirely, taking on a more thematic, western-flavored surf-rock flavor. Then it shifts into a more traditional surf sound, with twangy notes. Solid sounds that create an atmosphere of the first wave, with newer technologies woven in for effect. Very cool.

The Nematoads – “Abdel Jafar, Middle Eastern Spy” flips the script in another direction. After all, this is a sampler of different styles and sub-genres of surf instro. The guitar lures you into another world with a Middle Eastern motif of mystery. This is not your typical two-minute drive; it’s five minutes and four seconds full of complexities and guitar fireworks. The layers of instrumentation keep you captivated from start to finish. This is the best of surf and rock combined.

“Squid Vicious - Ink Jet” is a rhythm-filled, twangy, fast mover with some organ fills here and there. The tremolo parts are very good, and the drums and bass thrive in this environment. Impressive with no filler.

The KBK – “Dare Not Speak Its Name”  is a superb surf rocker that moves at tremendous speed, with tempo changes that highlight its diversity and strength. This is the kind of track that has everything I enjoy about surf instro,

RAHMUS – “No Acceptable Compromise” begins with a quick political statement that is quite humorous. And the track title falls right in line with that opening dialogue. This one is heavy with a pounding bottom end. The guitar’s resonating tones are a highlight.

The Neptones – “Majestic (La Mesa Grande)” goes spaghetti western with rapid picking and runs that keep it all moving, while the drums and bass are restrained, letting the guitars take the lead and painting the necessary scenario.

The Nematoads – “Fleas of 1000 Camels” returns to the desert scenery, with atmospheric sounds as the guitar is the paintbrush and the drums and bass the canvas, all the colors take shape quickly. Here, they take surf instrumental and morph it into something different and mysterious, thanks to excellent musicianship.

Squid Vicious – “Overlord” closes things out with another long stretch at five minutes and four seconds once again. It is interesting how that ended up lasting the same amount of time as the other long burner! The sound begins with hints of days gone by, with many more complexities and layers, including the organ, which complements everything else so well. This is an excellent rocker with all the trimmings. There is no window dressing here; it’s a flat-out rocker with great musicians giving their all on one track. Towards the end, you hear some tremolo, then another switch in tempo, and it takes things into an entirely different direction. Very progressive!

Deep Eddy Records' New Music Sampler 2026 delivers a vibrant journey through 10 tracks that capture the full spectrum of surf instrumental music. With relentless energy and impressive variety, this collection highlights the genre’s evolving sound while staying true to its roots. If you’re looking for a sampler that embodies the spirit and excitement of surf instrumentals, this release more than delivers.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 16, 2026

Tracks:

01. The KBK - 75878986-26 (Initialize Transmission) 03:49

02. RAHMUS - October's Theme 02:22

03. The Neptones - Bikini Atoll 02:45

04. The Nematoads - Abdel Jafar, Middle Eastern Spy 05:04

05. Squid Vicious - Ink Jet 02:16

06. The KBK - Dare Not Speak Its Name 03:14

07. RAHMUS - No Acceptable Compromise 02:05

08. The Neptones - Majestic (La Mesa Grande) 02:15

09. The Nematoads - Fleas of 1000 Camels 03:45

10. Squid Vicious - Overlord 05:04

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Lords of Atlantis-Self Titled

Release Date: June 26, 2023

Label: Tabu Recordings

Website

The self-titled Lords of Atlantis recording is now one of those recordings that carries an air of lore in the surf instrumental community. Featuring the lead guitarist Ivan Pongracic (The Madeira, The Space Cossacks), it ranks as one of the finest releases of the genre in recent years.

There is quite a mixture of talents with Ivan from other well-known bands, including the following:

Jeremy DeHart-Rhythm Guitar, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar (The Manakooras, Aqualads, The A-Men).

Jonpaul Balak-Bass guitar (Insect Surfers, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Scimitars).

Dane Carter-Drums and Percussion (The Madeira, The Troubadours).

A wealth of experience and talent converges to create this surf instro supergroup, setting them apart from other, more popular acts from other genres that often receive all the credit and attention. What distinguishes this community is its humility and genuine appreciation for one another. Rather than following trends, they set them—driven by a true passion for making music.

Success is measured not by fame but by the satisfaction of one's art. This humility and lack of awareness may contribute to the genre’s underappreciation, but it hasn’t hindered its global growth. Ultimately, the ongoing need to spotlight this music—no matter when it was created—inspires me to raise the consciousness of music lovers and celebrate its significance.

“Chariots of the Gods” begins in a mellow way, then explodes for a time, then reverts to the original melody. After that segment, you will hear more defined lead guitar runs jump out front before all the instruments move the tempo to the next level. Towards the finale, the drums take the spotlight and segue into the next track seamlessly without pause. This is a good example of surf instro on fire!

“Temple of Poseidon” picks up instantly after the previous track and has a nice mellow surf sound with the necessary twang and reverb. The bass sounds rhythmic as the drums keep time with crashing cymbals for effect.

“Leading Edge” kicks it back into high gear again, with tremolo taking hold, the bottom end is strong and tightly woven into the guitar’s movements. This is another instance where the guitar playing shines, with its tempo shifts and an aggressive yet tasteful push forward. Nearly three minutes of musical perfection.

“Libertas!” carries a more traditional surf vibe and pace, slowing things down with an island-in-the-sun atmosphere before the tempo picks up. The guitar is superb, and the tremolo is the highlight, showcasing that style of rapid-picking artistry. The bass and drums at the beginning have a jazz feel before shifting to match the guitar's pace, which I found interesting.

“Long Live the King!” resonates with the rock aspects of the genre and a classic first-wave sound and rhythm. The King of Surf Guitar is Dick Dale, and it is a great tribute to his legacy and sound. The power and majesty of surfing, the culture, and the music that became intrinsically connected to it rock here! A great group effort and message received.

“Eye of the Sahara” takes things in a different direction. The guitar's resonant tones create the necessary scenario in your mind. As you traverse the desert, the band takes you there in a heartbeat. Some of the passages are sheer beauty, and others grab your attention with a sudden, powerful change. The explosive guitar that enters on occasion makes sure they have your full attention.

“Seaglass” has an acoustic guitar backing with some lovely, crisp, ringing licks from the electric guitar. This composition shows how the band can pull back and deliver some tasty playing that holds at all positions. That “island surf” feel returns, reminding us how beautiful this music is, like waves shimmering in the sunlight.

“Maroc 7” is where Ivan draws on his lifetime of love for The Shadows and incorporates it into his style and approach. The strumming guitar has a Latin essence, pushing it along as tremolo and reverb rules the day. Excellent change of pace and overall sound, showcasing more diversity.

“The Bastion” is one of two tracks over four minutes. The layers of instrumentation and guitars are a highlight. It felt like a Mediterranean influence was at work here, with the drums and bass in line with the guitars' transitory nature. This is one of the more complex presentations because of how the bottom end responded to all the changes.

“The Fiery Trident” takes off into more rocking territory straight away, once again changing course entirely, then switching over to a more mellow guitar strumming and picking. The key to this music is hearing all the changes, textures, and overall mood they can create. Nearly halfway through, the tremolo kicks in, and the trajectory of the entire composition changes, emulating the word 'fiery,' then back again; it goes in a circle with these changes. Amazing guitar work once again with tremendous support from the rhythm section.

“Barbary Corsairs” takes on a different tone, with a meatier beginning, then quickly switches to the more explosive, resonating guitar notes. This kind of guitar playing reminded me of why I loved The Space Cossacks so much and still do to this day. There is a brief, quieter transition on guitar, then directly back to the powerful pinpoint bursts of notes that make tracks like this so exciting and memorable.

“Atlas” keeps the rock essence flowing with an energetic opening, then steps back a pace as the guitar focuses on more accentuated notes, with strong rhythms from the bass and drums, and then the quick transitions to the power base this band commands at the flip of a switch. Tremolo and reverb are superb as things take off into yet another direction with the tempos! Killer surf instro with a lot of oomph!

“Sands of Mauritania” is the closer and their longest track, clocking in at 5:13. It is an atmospheric composition tastefully executed. It has all the elements of the mellower side of surf instro that we all can appreciate. The drums and bass move along with an easy touch, as I have previously noted, in a more jazz-influenced style, accentuating the guitar tone and maintaining an even pace. Musical bliss from beginning to end.

The Lords of Atlantis' self-titled recording is more than a collection of remarkable tracks—it's a testament to the enduring spirit and innovation of surf instrumental music. Each song is a musical journey, blending tradition with fearless creativity, and together they form a vibrant tapestry that both honors the genre’s roots and carves out new territory. This album doesn’t just invite listeners to experience surf music; it compels them to feel its pulse, celebrate its evolution, and recognize the artistry that will keep it alive for generations to come

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 9, 2026

Tracks:

01. Chariots of the Gods 3:21

02. Temple of Poseidon 2:22

03. Leading Edge 2:54

04. Libertas! 3:11

05. Long Live the King! 3:31

06. Eye of the Sahara 3:15

07. Seaglass 3:20

08. Maroc 7 2:35

09. The Bastion 4:07

10. The Fiery Trident 3:58

11. Barbary Corsairs 2:45

12. Atlas 4:12

13. Sands of Mauritania 5:13

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Revew: The Jagaloons-Forbidden Words (Sea Blue Translucent LP)

 Release Date: November 1, 2024

Label: Tabu Recordings

Website

According to The Jagaloons, as stated in their Bandcamp message. Their 3rd full-length album, Forbidden Words, is on the finest portable digital disc form factor humans have been able to produce in the past 45 years. I am listening to the sea blue translucent vinyl edition, which I believe is a mighty fine disc as well.

As depicted in the colorful album art of the ravenous headhunter, this suggests it is a boiling musical stew of instrumental surf rock. And that is exactly what you will hear.

“Disco Volante” kicks things off with a bit of intrigue and anticipation. The bass and drums are chugging along nicely, then a nice slice of tremolo comes in. The organ adds another element to the mix, patiently adding its own special touch in the background. The guitar goes down different roads, keeping the atmosphere of spy vs spy, albeit with plenty of twang and reverb.

“Huevos con Salchicha” brings on the twang of the western theme. It moves at a good tempo, then slows for a short while, then jumps back to a higher but subtle energy that this sub-genre is known for. Lots of rhythm and hooks grab you.

“The Goggles Do Nothing” continues that flavor from the last track with tremolo and reverb. The lead guitar cuts through the air with a polished elegance that my ears recognize. Along the way, there are bursts of energy and power, with the bottom end keeping things consistently strong so those guitar notes effortlessly float over the top.

“Forbidden Words” goes off in another direction, with a retro sound and some rapid picking, to remind you of the first wave of surf instro and why it was so important to the genre's core sound and building blocks. A jump back to the early 60s surf instro.

“Soggy Bottoms” gives you a taste of their laid-back Tiki island sound. Tasteful instrumentation at all levels here, and some good tremolo gives you yet another dimension of their sound.

“Ghosts of the Sargasso” brings the energy level up several notches again, with the guitar taking the spotlight through rapid picking and resonant notes as the band comes together, reaching peaks of combined sound. The western/country influence, combined with twang, makes for a solid mix of colors.

“Red Sunrise” finishes side A with a flourish of instrumentation and a quick spotlight for the bass. Tremolo rules the day here, and it is done very well.

Side B opens with “Space Junk,” a step away from what you heard on the first side. The title hints at the change right away. Reverb and twang resonate fully as the sci-fi scenario develops within the music. This one is a straight-ahead rocker with plenty of tremolo periods, keeping it surf instro.

“Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker” reaches back to familiar ground with the spaghetti western fills as the guitar’s notes holler out to that MF! This is the music's color and drama, creating the necessary scenery. Tremolo is king once again, and I love it! The bass and drums are excellent as usual.

“The Rising Surf” is the only track under two minutes. You will hear something you will recognize at the beginning and throughout as they mix legendary tracks from the genre with their own style and changes. This is classic meets modern surf instro,

“Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch” is as western twang as it gets. I can see Clint Eastwood riding off into the sunset now. This is picturesque with the themes they are projecting resonating with my mind's eye. The guitar is excellent, and the bass and drums are always so tight and in sync, making it easy for the guitar to stand out.

“Under the Fiery Moon” is another throwback to the drip of the 60s. Soft notes with just enough twang as the bottom end is restrained enough, so the guitar still holds its place upfront with its sound. More tremolo to remind you once again how they own it.

“Don't Bother Me” begins like you might hear in a '50s pop song, with the organ arriving with that retro sound. The guitar is pumping out some ear-catching chords that won’t let go. The drums and bass pound out an irresistible chorus of rhythm as the guitar folds into it all with a bit of tremolo and memorable runs. Lots of crossover rock appeal on this one.

“Vacation” rounds out this set with their instrumental cover of The Go-Go’s hit. I thought that was an interesting way to end the album with a good dose of pop and sunshine. This also shows their diversity and abilities to switch it up quickly to keep a listener interested.

The Jagaloons have truly outdone themselves with Forbidden Words, delivering an album that shines on vinyl. The dynamic range of styles and influences ensures there’s never a dull moment, keeping listeners engaged from the opening track to the closing notes. By building on classic surf instrumental foundations and weaving in their distinct flair and genre-bending touches, the band serves up a vibrant, memorable collection that stands out in the modern surf scene.

Credits:

Geoff Kelley - Drums

Kurt Stegemann - Guitars

Josh Welf - Bass

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 5, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

01. Disco Volante 4:00

02. Huevos con Salchicha 2:43

03. The Goggles Do Nothing 2:30

04. Forbidden Words 2:25

05. Soggy Bottoms 2:27

06. Ghosts of the Sargasso 1:57

07. Red Sunrise 2:02

Side B:

08. Space Junk 2:22

09. Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker 2:30

10. The Rising Surf 1:43

11. Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch 2:24

12. Under the Fiery Moon 2:31

13. Don't Bother Me 3:09