Release Date: June 12, 2013 (Vinyl Released October 2024)
Label: Green Cookie Records
Guitar: David Arnson
Guitar: Michael Abraham
Bass: Jonpaul Balak
Drums: Jeff Utterback
The Insect Surfers, after a significant 15-year hiatus, released
Infra Green. This kind of return often raises questions about how a band
can pick up where they left off. Yet, when they do, it’s like witnessing a
magical resurrection of their musical prowess.
When I heard “Bay of Bengal” on Can’t Surf On A Gas
Giant vol.1, I was mesmerized. The song’s guitar playing and rhythm section
are excellent. I kept playing the track over and over. I had to see what the
rest of the album sounded like, continued to listen (stream), and I ordered the
vinyl (which was released in October 2024).
“DelMarVa” features a great melody line, with guitars
transitioning back and forth. It sounds like the perfect combination of
traditional surf as the anchor with progressions of psychedelic runs and heavy
reverb effects. Excellent!
“Space Park Drive” starts quite differently, and it rocks along
nicely. Many layers of guitars with one off in distance, letting you know it’s
still there. This is a wild ride of freaked-out psych elements, with dissonant
chords and experimental effects, and a steady bass and drum holding down the
main melody—more rock than anything, but very cool.
“Orion Canyon” is the longest track so far at 4:32. It has a
surf western slant to it. Very atmospheric, with epic guitar rhythms and leads
that create vivid imagery. Think spaghetti western with rock and psychedelic
mixed in. This band is not easy to put in any box; they make their unique sound
that is sure to intrigue listeners.
“El Diablo Habanero” kicks into high gear immediately.
Guitar-driven music with so many things going on makes for an enjoyable listen.
This is the hallmark of this band. They are using the traditional surf elements
with a lot of spice and flavor from the guitars that take everything in a
different direction. Tasty and full of surprises.
“Pinto Pacer Duster Gremlin” is car nostalgia! If you are old
enough to remember those cars, you should have an inner chuckle, as they were
all on the low end of the spectrum for car ownership. Just under the two-minute
mark, they shout out the track title several times. It moves right along,
probably faster than all those cars! Great guitar again, with some laser-sharp
licks!
“Plankton Dance” takes you out to the ocean depths with the
driving rhythm section and layered guitars. Infectious melodies and hooks stake
their claim to your inner sea explorer. Guitars merge to create a sound that is
both full and exciting.
“Sea Scorpion” explodes right out of the gate and multiple trips
down the guitar neck as the locomotive rhythm section kills it yet again. Music
muscles flex and stretch throughout as they transition to a crazy ending with
some glissando and biting leads. Almost 3 minutes of straight-ahead rock and
surf psych instro.
“Par Avion” takes off with a hook with rhythmic guitars,
pounding bass, and drums. Guitars are in sync like a well-oiled musical
machine. The echo with reverb and sustain holds and makes a complete circle
back to the initial melody. Not your typical surf instrumental by any means.
The complexity and constant movement in different directions keep it
interesting.
“Pineapple Skies” made me think of SpongeBob SquarePants
immediately. Things take on a mellow, tropical atmosphere at first, then build
and shift to a more rhythmic guitar playing, with the bass and drums keeping
time. This is a real toe tapper with a prominent bass running through it.
“Vaquita” is a species of porpoise endemic to the northern end
of the Gulf of California, Baja California, Mexico. So, with that in mind, the
guitar is making porpoise sounds to kick it off (and more during the track).
This is a long one at 6:51, so expect a lot of changes. The bass is strong and
prominently displayed as the guitars go through all its paces. Effects are the
key here, and it all works very well. What a masterpiece of sound and color-Ahh,
the magic of guitar pedals!
“Crab Crusher” continues with its energetic openings, with the
rhythm section spot on as the guitars enter with authority. Catchy hooks
populate their sound as the second guitar wails away, taking its path. This is
what makes their music so multidimensional. This is an excellent example of
that virtuosity.
“Kitsune,” in Japanese folklore, is a fox or fox spirit known
for its shapeshifting abilities and supernatural powers, including the ability
to bewitch other beings. It starts in a very apprehensive way to create a
feeling of mystery at first, then kicks right in. They do not waste any time in
getting things moving at their normal fast pace, with a multitude of changes
and guitar effects to reflect the meaning of the track. The bass is fantastic
once again; you can feel it go right through you. Bewitching sounds that any
fox or fox spirit would recommend.
“Radar Road” is their magnum opus, clocking in at 9:27! It begins
with a familiar spy motif, with the bass providing that atmosphere. The guitar
jumps in with some biting, albeit smooth licks, then transitions several times
for different effects and atmospheric touches. Get ready for all kinds of
guitar wizardry as you move through nearly 10 minutes of prime Insect Surfers
music. There is just too much going on here to discuss; you must hear it for
yourself. Chances are, you have never heard anything like this on an album that
fell into the surf instro genre. And if you did, I want to know about it!
“Infra Green,” the title track, closes this incredible
recording. The bass begins its powerful presence right away as the drums join
in. Then a subtle guitar line comes in as you are just waiting for the whole
thing to cut loose and explode. Surprisingly enough, it never does; the tempo
that is set down initially holds on as the guitar’s effects take precedence and
bring it all to a close. That was a surprise ending considering everything that
came before it.
Despite being released 12 years ago, Infra Green sounds as fresh as if it were released yesterday. This timeless quality is a testament to the band’s musical prowess. In the realm of surf instrumental rock and psych, it is a masterpiece that will be revered for eternity.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
August 21, 2025
Tracks:
01. Bay Of Bengal 03:38
02. DelMarVa 02:23
03. Space Park Drive 03:35
04. Orion Canyon 04:32
05. El Diablo Habanero 03:21
06. Pinto Pacer Duster Gremlin 01:53
07. Plankton Dance 02:34
08. Sea Scorpion 02:58
09. Par Avion 04:18
10. Pineapple Skies 04:02
11. Vaquita 06:51
12. Crab Crusher 04:28
13. Kitsune 04:37
14. Radar Road 09:27
15. Infra Green 03:06
