Release Date: December 7, 2024
Label: Independent
Welcome to the “Official Surf Band of the U.S.A”, The Aloha Joes. The cover would be indicative of such a statement!
When I looked at the image and title, It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes EP immediately made me see past comic books flash by, featuring Jughead and Veronica. I remember seeing them on the rack, but I chose only the superheroes, such as Iron Man. I needed to clarify that because, from a little boy’s eyes, those comics looked too girly to me!
The cover illustration portrays the first wave: the beach party with the band and everyone dancing, where it all started with this music.
This ocean-blue LP EP features five tracks on one side. Sorry, no fancy etching on the back; it’s not necessary when you can deliver the goods for surf instro.
“Tabletoppin” starts with the sound of the ocean, and we are off and running with a fast pace, some tremolo licks, twang, and reverb. The rhythm is catchy as the drums (heavy on cymbals), and the bass is cranking at a high level. Then the guitar really takes off through several transitions, bouncing between surf and rock licks, and then ends abruptly.
“Couple’s Skate” features a different motif, with the guitar sounding more bluesy, with surf-rock lingering along the edges. This is more of a rock-oriented track for a while before taking the off-ramp to the surf instro lane. It’s a hook-filled dandy that will stick with you.
“Pickle the Beast” is a goofy track title, and there is a little introduction where two voices come in before it launches into full-on surf rocker. Meaty chords hit you like that perfect wave before it changes course again into a softer guitar run, then back to the higher-level tempo and heavier sound. More talking at the end wraps it up (you’ll have to listen to find out what they say).
“Knuckle Sandwich” is a quick, compact shot clocking in at under two minutes. I appreciate how a band can pack so much music into such a short period. They manage to cross over into several tempos and textures in this track, and it’s non-stop rockin’ fun.
“Midnight Snack” closes out this much-too-short foray into surf-rock instrumental nirvana. Yet another change in direction gives it that “The Munsters” soundtrack feel. All the fun happens at midnight, and after that, you know. Well, they prove it on this one. This is my favorite track, and I think it’s their best. They really let it fly on this one and explode into a real rocker! It was refreshing to hear them switch from a slower, surf-like tempo to a full-on cranking rocker.
Being diverse with your music within one genre always makes things more interesting, and The Aloha Joes seem to have it down to a science, and this EP is a tasty addition to their catalog.
Here is the kicker: you can get the vinyl EP in ocean blue or sunset orange for $10. That is a bargain for the excellent slice of surf and rock tracks you are going to enjoy.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
February
8, 2026
Tracks:
1. Tabletoppin’ 02:11
2. Couple’s Skate 03:07
3. Pickle the Beast 02:37
4. Knuckle Sandwich 01:58
5. Midnight Snack 03:30
