Surf Instro Review: The Woodhavens-Barkada

Release Date:  July 18, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

Barkada is The Woodhaven’s latest release. It is a Tagalog word meaning a group of friends or a gang of friends. It often refers to a close-knit group, sometimes even seen as a family-like unit. The band chose this name to reflect their strong bond and shared musical journey. This term can be used in various contexts, from casual gatherings to more organized groups like those found in Filipino communities or artistic organizations.

They are a band with a unique blend of surf instrumental and music culture, telling you straight away who they are and how it relates to their music.

 

Now on to the music, let’s see if this brotherhood can make their music great!

 

“Bodega Run” starts the engines. They burst out with all their strengths right out of the gate.  What a great way to kick this album off. The sound is retro in hyperdrive. The drums and bass are killing it too. In two minutes and eight seconds, you already know this band is a well-oiled music machine, showcasing their impressive technical skill.

 

The title track “Barkada” kicks it down a notch. Even so, the drums and bass are still flying high. Those dueling guitars create a layer of surf instro beauty, showcasing the band’s unique features. Clocking in at a bit over 3 minutes makes things meatier and more complex. Some fine glissando and tremolo make this one a classic.

 

“The Heat” is a quick jaunt into their world at 1:41. The steady beats and bass set the tone, and the guitars layer over that nicely. Measured strokes from the six strings and fine leads are the highlight here.

 

“Unlightened” begins with an atmosphere of intrigue, akin to spy/surf, but they maintain the rapidity of the bass and drums foundation. Nicely placed guitar notes from both players give this one a mellower tone like a lure to the beach to catch some waves and sun.

 

“The Warden” returns to that explosiveness they are so adept at. I am hearing some excellent guitar work throughout this recording, and this is yet another example of going up and down the frets for some great action, just like the first track.

 

“Andiamo!” features a thumping bass as the drums keep time. This sounds incredibly smooth, thanks to their guitar sound. It created imagery of an island beach front with the waves and warm air. It touched me that way, so picturesque.

 

“Eruptors” is a good name for a surf song, and of course, the music must match the title. It emulates that very well, as they consistently demonstrate their ability to explode with a wall of sound. Having two guitars layered over the bass and drums certainly adds depth.

 

“Bankshot” has a different tempo and overall tone, which I appreciated. There is some repetitiveness in all music, and with surf instro, the key is the drums, always. This was very melodic, more so than all the other tracks so far, which gave it that different feel.

 

“JoJo & The Seven Seas” is an interesting title. It begins with a slower melody, reminiscent of something you would hear in the 50s. At least it hit me that way. Also, it does have the “island” sound. Some more glissando done well and a nice transition to the other guitar. This was their surf waltz, if you will.

 

“Tunnel” cranks from the first note over to a quick transition. The drums are magnificent, and you can hear the rapid beats and crashing cymbals as the guitars take you through the tunnel of sound (like through a gnarly wave). The guitars fire away like machine guns!

 

So why not close this out with their longest track on the recording? A magnum opus!  “The Dreamer” clocks in at 4:03. I love it when surf instro bands decide to stretch things out, and the fun part is listening to how many different directions they take their music. Here, they combine their talents in the most significant way possible, demonstrating their creativity. So many transitions and tempo changes make this a grand finale and a tsunami of sound to drop the curtain on an outstanding performance from start to finish.

 

Barkada is consistently entertaining, and ending it all in a most untypical way was a pleasant surprise.

The Woodhavens Are:

Mel Anthony - Guitars

Jay Hooton - Guitars

Lukas Myhan - Bass, Howls

Jeffrey Warden - Drums

Note: Additional guitar on "Andiamo!" and "JoJo & The Seven Seas" by Evan Foster

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

July 31, 2025

Tracks:

01. Bodega Run 02:08

02. Barkada 03:21

03. The Heat 01:41

04. Unlightened 02:55

05. The Warden 02:15

06. Andiamo! 02:23

07. Eruptors 02:50

08. Bankshot 02:03

09. JoJo & The Seven Seas 02:43

10. Tunnel 02:03

11. The Dreamer 04:03

Surf Insto Reviews: The Nematoads-Difference Engine

Release Date: August 1, 2025 

Label: Deep Eddy Records

Website

The Nematoads, a surf rock trio with a unique musical approach, unveil their 4-track EP, Difference Engine, a testament to their distinctiveness and creativity. 

Ted James, the lead guitarist, is the driving force behind the band’s energy, with his label and website serving as a vibrant hub for surf instro music and more. David Escamilla (bass) and George Pestana (drums) complete this dynamic and electrifying group.

 

The EP’s theme, as you might expect, is race cars. The Nematoads have masterfully integrated this theme into their music, creating an immersive and engaging sonic experience that resonates with the listener.

 

“Difference Engine” kicks things off. The sound of revving engines and fast-paced rockin’ surf gets the party started. I noticed right away that the guitar sounded a bit low in the mix and needed to be boosted in volume. Perhaps this was the design of recording it that way.

 

Even so, we are off to a great start with some brief tremolo, then rapid transitions back to the harder-edged riffing. There is your standard reverb placed in the piece, and one super-fast run up the frets for some added spice. The drums and bass are on cruise control as they enter the pits to change some tires (move on to the next track), as the other racers go whizzing by.

 

“Armadillo Races” begins with a drum roll, and we are back on the track racing. You would think it may be a bit slower when thinking about that animal, but twangy licks with superb surf/spy sound enter your atmosphere. I liked the brief sustain on the guitar.  Some heavy riffs are peppered throughout this trip around the track. The echoing guitars bring it to a fitting end.

 

“Squid Racer” demonstrates how reverb can take center stage and add that definitive surf instro stamp to your music. Some melodicism is evident here, accompanied by some nicely placed crashing cymbals. Lots of reverb is soaked in, too, in passages with a notable bass line. This music remains transitory, offering the listener a wealth of enjoyment within a single track. The reverberating guitar closes the track.

 

4 is the track with the excessively long title and very short run. The title is a playful nod to the band’s love for both music and racing, as it mirrors the quick, intense experience of a race. Here, it’s only the drums and bass having some fun as cars go flying by, accompanied by a crash sound, sirens, and the end.

 

The Difference Engine is jam-packed with The Nematoads, who give everything they have at their disposal to create a very colorful and entertaining EP. They provide a classic surf sound, modified by rock and hot rod sound effects, and they do it their way with distinction.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

July 25, 2025

Tracks:

1. Difference Engine

2. Armadillo Races

3. Squid Racer

4. The Track George Doesn't Like Because He Doesn't Like the Sound of Car Crashes, David Thinks is OK Because He's OK with Car Crash Sounds in Songs, and Ted Came Up with the Idea so He Probably Likes It