Surf Instro Review: The Space Cossacks - Interstellar Stomp (Interview With Ivan Pongracic Included)

I could not hide my enthusiasm and adulation for this band's music. And my feelings have not changed after all these years!

The Space Cossacks Interstellar Stomp has already become a classic. It's not just a record; it's part of a legacy. Destined to be hailed as such, it had all the excitement and anticipation working for it before its eventual release. By listening to it, you're not just enjoying music but becoming a part of a prestigious group of listeners.

This CD is phenomenal! It is appropriate to cite it as one of the most significant surf releases ever.

Ivan Pongracic is a real gunslinger who takes no prisoners. His guitar playing is not just exceptional; it's awe-inspiring. The tonality, glissando, and reverb he coaxes from his axe are the stuff dreams are made of.

The rest of the group is outstanding in giving Ivan the backbeat he needs to consummate the marriage between his furious guitar playing and the foundation from which each masterpiece of reverb is born.

The tremendous talent on the musician's behalf, excellent production, and sonics make this a recording for the ages in the surf world. It is one of the best you will ever feast your reverb-soaked ears upon.

Tracks:

01. Third Star To The Left  

02. Red Sunrise  

03. Solaris Stomp 

04. Neutron Sabre  

05. Black Sand  

06. The Cossack

07. The Spy Satellite  

08. Planet Of The Apes  

09. Gunmetal Express 

10. Transatlantic Orbit  

11. Moroccan Adventures

12. Mir Rescue    

13. Bombora   

14. The Space Victory Theme  

15. Navajo Star

Interview With Ivan Pongracic

After all these years, since the 90s, I finally got the chance to speak with one of the most admired guitar players in the world, Ivan Pongracic! He is well known in the surf instrumental community for his work with The Space Cossacks, The Madeira, and Lords of Atlantis.

Give it a listen to find out more about this remarkable man and musician!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Surf Instro Review: The Space Cossacks - Tsar Wars

https://thespacecossacks.bandcamp.com/

The long-awaited Tsar Wars from The Space Cossacks is finally here! The band has come a long way since their debut.

Following the massive success of Interstellar Stomp, the band solidifies its status as a top surf-instro group with this second full-length release.

 

The three-year wait was well worth it, as Tsar Wars brings a unique blend of reverb and twang that sets it apart from its predecessor and other surf-instro albums. The band's distinct sound will intrigue even the most seasoned music enthusiasts.

 

Ivan Pongracic and the group ignite the instrumental scene with their unique blend of reverb and twang. They'll send waves of reverb crashing into your mind or serenade you with soft, intricate melodies that harken back to The Shadows, a legendary instrumental rock band. Their sound is a refreshing departure from the norm, sure to captivate any listener.

 

Pongracic continues to amaze with his ever-improving skills. His ultra-fast picking style is a testament to his talent, challenging even the most seasoned guitarists. His potential to venture into new genres and create groundbreaking music is a testament to his skill and dedication, something that all music enthusiasts can appreciate.

 

I am as guilty as everyone else and tend to focus on Ivan; it's hard not to. So, what about the rest of the group? Without them, Ivan wouldn't be doing what he does so well. Mark English lays down a nice rhythm on guitar for Ivan to drop his snappy riffs upon, while Catherine Gray (bass) and Doug Hoekstra (drums) provide a possessed, power-driven rhythm section beyond compare.  It's a given...you should have the fastest and best skin pounder for great surf-instro music.

 

This group is not just rewriting the script; they're shaping the future of surf-instro music. With Tsar Wars, they've set a new standard, sparking debates about the most fantastic instro album ever made. Their influence and innovation will inspire the next generation of surf-instro musicians.

 

Keith "MuzikMan"  Hannaleck 

May 21, 2000

Tracks:

01. Exolumina 

02. Space Race 

03. The Apes Of Wrath

04. Tsunami Tsurprise

05. Escape From Gulag 

06. Sea Of Tranquility 

07.The Defector 

08. The Crusher 

09. Cossack Rocket Patrol 

10. The Jewel Of Duende 

11.  Departure 

12. Beyond The Third Star 

13. Tsar Wars  

14. iFiesta Del Cossacapulco! 

15. Tradewinds