Release Date: December 5, 2024
Label: Independent
Dylan Oldham (guitar), Christopher Marshall (bass), and Curt
Pleiss (drums) are this terrific trio.
Desert Undertones' surf instro is a tasteful and predominantly
laid-back experience. If you're seeking a challenging, rockin' vibe, this album
may not be for you. However, if you're a fan of instrumental music, you'll find
plenty to appreciate in its soothing melodies.
Every track except one lasts more than 2 minutes, and the other
is slightly over 3 minutes (Moonlight Beach). For those unfamiliar with this
genre, the standard track length is typically 2 minutes or longer.
"Black Eagle" starts with commentary that sounds like
it was pulled from a movie. It is filled with great melody and rhythm (which I
found is one of their strengths). It is an energized opener.
"Point Reyes" has a nice sound with some good guitar
picking. It reminded me of a sunny day on the beach in Maine with a clear blue
sky, a mild surf, and a cooling breeze. This is the kind of music
designed to evoke those images.
"China Bowl," I would guess, is a place in the Arizona
desert where most of this band resides, but that's not the case; it's a ski
resort in Colorado where their drummer resides. The glissando playing is
exceptionally smooth and soothing on this track, like a soft snow-covered path down the peak of a mountain.
"Izumo" features a nice glissando section, continuing
from the last track with a subtle drum and bass accompaniment that enhances the
lead guitar lines.
"Sands Point" sounds like the desert! The band shifts
to a more uplifting tempo with their soft touch. The drums add a constant beat,
accompanied by cymbals, to make it all shimmer as they move from one transition
to another, which I appreciated. It was one of my favorites.
"Signal Hill" is catchy right at the outset, and it
grabs you. The rhythms are crisp and clear, featuring a superb guitar sound and
notable changes throughout. The bass stands out.
"Tiswin" has an even tempo, and it's beneficial, as
the drums use the cymbals to good effect once again. There are many components
packed into this one.
"Moonlight Beach" brings back that fascinating
glissando playing. This is the highlight of the recording. Also, the drummer
uses the cymbals to significant effect again, which is key. Another one of my
favorites!
"The Sentinel," being the title track, is important,
of course. They step it up with the tempo to get your attention, yet do it
tastefully. The guitar shines like a star in a clear night sky.
"Pavones" is a remote village on the south Pacific
coast of Costa Rica, famous for its long left point break and lush rainforest
attractions. To close out the album, it kicks things into high gear
immediately. They become a bit heavier, indicating that they can loosen up and
rock anytime if they want to, and continue to do it tastefully.
The Sentinel is a remarkable debut long player. With only 50 vinyl copies out of 100 remaining, it's set to become a coveted collector's item. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of music history-support Desert Undertones by purchasing the vinyl, downloading from Bandcamp, or ordering the CD.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf
Music and Art Founder
July 7, 2025
Tracks:
01. Black Eagle 02:31
02. Point Reyes 02:55
03. China Bowl 02:32
04. Izumo 02:25
05. Sands Point 02:56
06. Signal Hill 02:16
07. Tiswin 03:09
08. Moonlight Beach 03:01
09. The Sentinel 02:48
10. Pavones 02:47
