Surf Instro Review: Laika & The Cosmonauts-Laika Sex Machine…taped before a LIVE! Audience (1997,1998)

Laika Sex Machine? I don't know what that's all about, but this group from Finland remains one of the best surf-intro groups actively recording music today. After several years of releasing standout studio recordings, the group offers their faithful following a live recording that showcases a taste of their entire catalog.

Laika Sex Machine…taped before a LIVE! Audience (1997, 1998) is twenty-six tracks of traditional surf and third-wave instrumental diamonds. This CD is a relentless attack upon your eardrums. It's a rockin' good time. I loved every minute of it. 

This band has a good handle on presenting its music brand. With elements of both new and old blending into its sound, you get the best of both worlds—and then some. 

“Then some” is the undefined live element. Those who make the magic happen can understand the spontaneity of a live performance. As mortal listeners, we get all the pleasures from the results of that mystical knowledge that only the gifted musician has. In my opinion, all music possesses a spiritual quality. Surf-instro is fun, energetic, and picturesque. Even though it's lighthearted, it remains the thinking man's music.

The sound and production are brilliant, and Laika and The Cosmonauts' performances are fantastic. It is the quintessential live surf-instro recording. Go ahead and be a sex machine—get this CD.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 27, 2001 

Tracks:

01. The Hypno-Wheel    

02. Disconnected     

03. Syncophant    

04. Tantrum    

05. Floating   

06. Turquoise   

07. Boris The Conductor   

08. Look! No Head!

09. Experiment In Terror  

10. The Avengers   

11. Circumstantial Evidence   

12. Hi & Lo   

13. Cafe Equator   

14. Land's End   

15. Psyko   

16. Mission Impossible

17. Get Carter  

18. Global Village   

19. Enchanted Rock   

20. C'mon Do The Laika!   

21. Fugitive   

22. Ba-Ha-Re-Bah!   

23. Fadeaway    2

4. Sauna-Soul

25. Telstar  

26. Vendetta

Surf-Instrumental Review: The Aqua Velvets-Nomad

Website

Michael Lindner (bass, accordion, keyboards), Miles Corbin (electric & acoustic guitar, trashcan bongo), Don Spindt (drums), and Hank Maninger (rhythm guitar) are The Aqua Velvets. It is their third release, Nomad. 

The title track sets the tone, starting things off on the right foot with a trademark shimmering desert journey through instrumental music. It draws influences from surf, spy, Middle Eastern, spaghetti western, and rock genres. Of course, it’s complete with twang and reverb. 

“Holly Tiki” is just over two minutes long. The group rips through a successive progression of guitar chords in that short period, giving you the typically compact, high-energy intro song. 

“Summer at Dreampoint” really says what this group is about without a single word. It’s a picturesque adventure, taking you on a summertime ride through the scenery of your choice.  It’s an absolute classic.

Music like this has a prevailing impact. It will leave a lasting impression on your consciousness. Instrumental music is for those who enjoy having their intellect stimulated. This music will shake out those cobwebs and revitalize your mind quickly.

Hailing from the Bay Area, the group has the advantage of dipping into a diverse musical melting pot. Having a wide range of resources to help along the creative process and initiate ideas never hurts. They do a dynamite job utilizing every musical genre to shape and mold the music that becomes all their own. It’s pure instrumental bliss.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1, 2001 

Tracks:

01. Nomad   

02. Surf Nouveau   

03. Smoking Panatelas On The Blue Mediterranean Sea  

04. Holly Tiki  

05. Snorkel Mask Replica   

06. Return To Paia    

07. Ho'okipa

08. In A Spanish Mood   

09. Nervous On Neptune  

10. Summer At Dreampoint   

11. Shakahoochie   

12. Shrunken Head