Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: El Papu & Los Fantásticos Reverberantes-Al Ritmo del Oleaje (Surf Blue Vinyl Edition)

  Release Date: October 16, 2025

Label: Another Wave Records

Website

El Papu & Los Fantásticos Reverberantes is an instrumental surf rock band known for its vintage-inspired sound, blending 1960s surf aesthetics with modern reverb-drenched production.

The group gained significant attention within the niche instrumental community following the release of their debut full-length album, Al Ritmo del Oleaje, in 2023, and its subsequent digital release and highly limited surf blue vinyl release in 2025/2026.

Translated, it is Papu & The Fantastic Reverberants, and the album title is To The Rhythm Of The Waves.

“La Marcha De Los Fantasticos Reverberantes” (The March of the Fantastic Reverberants) jumps right out at you to begin this platter of surf instro. Their influence from the first wave is clear. The guitar’s twang is crisp and clear, and the remaining band members sound solid at all positions to support this guitar-driven music. Some nice passages from the lead guitar show dexterity and rapid-fire abilities. We were off and running!

“California Mood” shifts quickly with its mood and atmospheric guitar lines. You get the warm notes and reverb that are associated with the Southern California coast. Very tasteful playing with little bursts of tremolo, then a full take on that style jumps in. You are now riding all the waves of surfing they are providing so beautifully. Truly, the classic sound done well.

“1-2-2-Shake!” leaves surf behind and takes another turn down a different avenue of sound and texture. As you look at the title, the 1960’s come to mind, along with all the old ballroom dance floors. Good, simple, straightforward rock ‘n” roll for a simpler time and way off life with that clean guitar sound.

“The Pier” returns to the classic surf-rock instro sound, minus the tremolo this time. Strumming second guitar, drums, and bass come together as the guitar grabs the spotlight without taking anything away from the other instruments. This ensures a listener can appreciate the entire band.

“Far East Fling” returns to the tremolo and twang style of playing we all love so much. The picking is fast and a highlight here. It’s a good combination of surf and rock with a classic underpinning driving it all.

“Warm Water” wraps up side A, and we return to the sun, beach, and surf with plenty of twang and reverberating notes floating through the air. Easy riding on your surfboard with sun and sea air permeating your being. Yes, the music takes you there and keeps you there.

Side B opens, and you are now fully engaged with their sound. “Frusaks” has a certain flavor that has been explored on previous tracks, and your attention is drawn to the superb tremolo effects. The tempo is transitory, and the guitar simply shimmers here, beautiful without losing the rock textures that the genre offers.

“Sweet Cinammon Coffee” immediately recalled The Shadows' classic sound with Hank Marvin. This is instrumental rock with surfy twang and some rhythm guitar pushing it along nicely. The bottom end support is restrained to let those lovely lead-guitar notes sink in.

“The Cruel Sea” is one of the iconic tracks that many bands enjoy covering. Instant recognition comes into play here for longtime surf instro fans. You must do it well if you’re going to cover a legendary track. They do a great job, with the guitar exemplary and the rhythms perfect, from the strumming second guitar to the backing bass and drums.

“Seaweed” brings the level back down with a smooth, relaxed guitar, then introduces sharper rock licks that swing along, and the music reaches higher crescendos. All the trimmings for the perfect surf instro are in place here. They do a fine job of taking rock and elements, and the surf, and combining them all just right for the full impact of their sound. This was a real toe taper. One of my favorites for some great transitions.

“Another Summer Song” fits the mold and the implications of warm weather and all that it can entail. Surf tremolo picking and twang with pinpoint placement for the full effect of that warm summer day. Time to go to the beach, soak up some sun and waves. This is the anthem track to the entire album.

“Crowded Beach” winds up this entertaining slice of vinyl. This is the high energy that you heard when this all started. A fast tempo at all positions, with the rapid riffs and tremolo, is the way to end this. What a perfect way to close out this album. Picture high waves and an exciting surf competition.

Al Ritmo del Oleaje is a vibrant showcase of surf and rock instrumental artistry, with each track delivering fresh energy and a sense of nostalgia. El Papu & Los Fantásticos Reverberantes capture the spirit of classic surf while infusing their own modern flair, creating an authentic, memorable experience sure to satisfy any surf music enthusiast.

Credits:

Artwork – Mathias Harbek

Bass – Damián Baldi (tracks: A1 - B6)

Drums – Jorge "Koki" Maidana (tracks: A1 - B6)

Electric Guitar – Agustin "Beachbreaker" Alvarez (tracks: A1 - B6), El Papu (tracks: A1 - B6)

Producer – Adrián Castiñeira

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 8, 2026

Tracks:

Side A

1. La Marcha De Los Fantasticos Reverberantes

2. California Mood

3. 1-2-2-Shake!

4. The Pier

5. Far East Fling

6. Warm Water

Side B

1. Frusaks

2. Sweet Cinammon Coffee

3. The Cruel Sea

4. Seaweed

5. Another Summer Song

6. Crowded Beach

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: Various Artists-Four By Four Compilation-7” Blue Vinyl

 Release Date: February 9, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

Colorado Instrumental Fanzine continues its fine coverage of the surf instrumental genre and community with one-of-a-kind vinyl releases available with their quarterly issues.

This time, we have the Four By Four Compilation, with two tracks on each side, available on iceberg blue or octopus ink black 7” vinyl.

Side A starts with Mark Malibu & The Wasagas with “Great Lake Surfer.” This is a great tune with a retro sound. The guitar’s clear, crisp tones are full of reverb, and the drums and bass are strong, with the beat we have all become accustomed to hearing.

The guitar’s leads are transitioning with a steady, consistent flow. As the sound shifts back and forth, you are transported back to the 60s, where it all began. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia and how it’s been preserved while keeping the sound fresh and modern with today’s recording techniques.

Humanga Danga is up next with “Red Desert Rampage.” Featuring the rapid tremolo picking and the echoing second layer of guitar. The sounds shift suddenly, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor and a quicker tempo. The guitar work is intricate, rhythmic, and unrelenting.  A very atmospheric track with rich color and cinematic excitement.

Sys Malakian kicks off side B with “Idilio.” Sys is a respected community member and Zine reviewer. His sound is idyllic for the lovers of the surf instro genre. He expertly blends traditional and modern sounds into his music. This is one example of his dexterity on the six-string. This is a fast mover, with the guitar’s subtle intricacies highlighted throughout.  It is like getting into the wayback machine in a modern studio setting. The replication of the classic surf sound is a specialty for Sys, and that is why he has such respect from fellow musicians and listeners alike.

The Terra Surfers close out this slice of vinyl with “Solar Vortex.” It begins with small steps to an eventual sound that gives it a mysterious sci-fi feel, which is the intent here. Being a vortex is an “out there” thing when one imagines it in the mind’s eye. The guitar’s resonant tones and layered effect, along with crashing cymbals and a thumping bass, hold you spellbound from start to finish. A great musical climax to close the curtain on this short trip around the world of surf instro.

Four By Four delivers everything that makes surf instrumental music essential: masterful musicianship, limited-edition vinyl pressed in iceberg blue or octopus ink black, stunning artwork, and four distinct artists each commanding their own vision of the genre. From retro reverence to sci-fi experimentation, this compilation captures the full spectrum of modern surf rock. If you’re serious about the genre, this is mandatory listening—don’t let this one slip away.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 3, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Great Lake Surfer-Mark Malibu & The Wasagas 2:56                          

2. Red Desert Rampage-Humanga Danga 2:57  

Side B:

1. Sys Malakian-Idilio 2:50                                            

2. Solar Vortex-The Terra Surfers 2:50