Release Date: August 8, 2025
Label: Musick Recordings
Featuring lead guitarist
Frankie Blandino, Rob Amaral, Sax Gordon, and the return of the original
Fathoms rhythm section of Johnny Sciascia on bass and Stan Kozlowski on drums,
this reunion is a complete circle for the band. Their previous work has left a
lasting impact on the surf instrumental genre, and their return is highly
anticipated.
The time they spent apart
had no impact on them, based on what I heard.
The title track “Hard To
Fathom” begins with power and conviction, followed by some smooth as silk
tremolo, then the saxophone announces its entrance, albeit softly, in the
background in comparison to the primary instrument’s strengths; however, it
would eventually rise in volume in the mix. They could not have announced their
return with a better sound.
“The Right One” is a
country-flavored number that is a big step away from the opener. However, you
will find that each track is a separate entity as the band uses all of their
experience to keep your interest right until the end. Eclecticism is the rule
of the day. The sax returns once again, offering more of its distinctive sound,
and there is some excellent picking going on continuously as the drums and bass
hold down the foundation. These flavorful twists in sound reminded me of the
late great Danny Gatton’s music.
“Funny Farm” features a
drum intro as it transitions into a different playing style. It is that retro
’60s sound, complete with the recognizable organ, that instantly transports you
back to a time when all the sitcoms were on TV. There is some good string
bending going on here that gives it that offbeat sound.
“Giddy Up” returns to the
surf instro straight away with some biting licks, rapid drum rolls, and twang
to give it the western feel. They circle back and forth with pinpoint precision
as the sax adds its sauce to the musical stew. This is
another eclectic mixture with many transitions worthy of note.
“Sea of Glass” transports
you to a deserted island in the sun, where the tempo evokes a sense of warmth
and smooth waves of sound gently caress your consciousness. The music sweeps
you away as it cleverly paints the necessary scenes in your mind. There is a
nice blend of acoustic and electric guitar, and good layering of each
instrument. This was one of my favorites for all-around
musicianship.
“Escape From Wormtown”
will bring Davie Allan to mind and The Ventures’ track “2000 Pound Bee” with
that definitive fuzztone sound. There is an air of mystery created in this
musical atmosphere, like a scene in a James Bond movie. The steady bottom end
is their rock to count on as each instrument is
added to the mix. A good rhythm guitar melds well to complete their sound, then towards the finish line, a shift in sound
again and a fade out.
“End of the Trail” is
their ode to the Spaghetti Westerns. I envisioned a scene from The
Good, The Bad, and the Ugly in my mind’s eye with this picturesque auditory
experience. The guitar is the narrator here, and it sings the song so well.
There is a surprising transition to the fuzztone, and then the drums sound like
a call to arms to march into battle as the sun sets on the final scene.
“Planet of Rain” is the
curtain closer on this cinematic journey of sound. And it’s off with a bang,
just the way it all started with some rapid playing from all positions. The
retro Shadows sound permeates your surroundings. If Hank Marvin were listening,
he would be smiling. Cymbals play an essential role in different segments, once
again proving how important the drums are in every song. They are the engine
that drives this locomotive down the tracks.
Hard To
Fathom is a
superb recording and a fantastic return to form after a protracted absence.
Let’s hope this is the beginning of another chapter in the history of one of
the greatest surf instro bands of all time.
Besides a download and CD,
it is available in excellent “Jazz master” colors splatter vinyl LP as well. I
have the vinyl on the way!
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
August
11, 2025
Tracks:
1. HARD TO FATHOM 03:32
2. THE RIGHT ONE 02:49
3. FUNNY FARM 02:20
4. GIDDY-UP 03:03
5. SEA OF GLASS 03:44
6. ESCAPE FROM WORMTOWN 03:06
7. END OF THE TRAIL 05:24
8. PLANET OF RAIN 03:11
