Surf Instrumental Holiday Review: Blue Wave Theory-Sleigh The Waves

 Release Date: December 20, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

New Jersey-based Blue Wave Theory released their Holiday Surf recording Sleigh The Waves on [December 20, 2024]. As the first anniversary approaches, this lively album invites listeners to feel the festive spirit and joy of the season.

Blue Wave Theory Are:

Bob Trimble - guitars, percussion

Chiemena Ukazim - bass, tenor sax

Rick Eddy - drums, percussion

Steve Rabeler – guitars

Although “Greensleeves” is not originally a Christmas song, it is a traditional English folk song about Love. However, it is famously associated with the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?", which uses its melody.

It sets the mood with a twangy, retro-reverb guitar, a steady, strong bass line, cymbals crashing, and drums pounding, with rapid fills. Then the guitar goes off on a sleigh ride of its own. In about 4 minutes, the six-string goes through several transitions, keeping it interesting and colorful.  This energetic surf-instro style blends holiday themes with a lively, instrumental sound that sets the tone for the festive season.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is recognized straight away, then goes in different melodic directions as the guitar plows new paths through the woods. The drums and bass are subtle but steadily keep the main time rhythm in place.

“Blue Christmas” begins with a phase-shifting drum, then jumps into strong leads backed by a simple second guitar. The saxophone’s arrival adds a nostalgic ’60s surf flavor, creating a warm, familiar feeling that invites listeners to embrace the holiday mood.

“Mele Kalikimaka” is a Hawaiian-themed Christmas song written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson. It surely has an island-Hawaiian feel and sound. If you are accustomed to experiencing Christmas with palm trees and the sounds of ocean waves, this will connect with you. Then again, if not, it still is a catchy track done well!

“The Little Drummer Boy” starts in an unusual yet effective way, with heavy, rocking guitars. It’s a short burst of energy, then switches to the traditional melody. The second longest track stands out for its complexity, marked by transitions and tempo changes.  This is a superb rendition that also features a bottom end that is like rocket fuel for the guitar. I would gladly take a second helping of a track like this!

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” begins softly, then kicks in with a big bass sound, as the drums are strong and consistent, as they have been right along. This is the kind of track that warms your soul. The guitar, as usual, is excellent, leading the way to send the message.

Echoing reverb gives it that surf instro feel without taking anything away from the original melody.

Now we back pedal to “Wild Turkey (A Thanksgiving Treat)” with all the trimmings. The bass and drums are strong but subtle enough to match the restrained guitar notes. Suddenly, a strange synth adds a spooky vibe as the guitar resumes its lead.  The drum beat, with no significant changes, is the basic one we have all become accustomed to hearing.

“Frosty the Snowman” stays with the traditional melody, then the guitar, as usual, takes off into another direction, adding some spice and honey to the track. The second guitar provides a good backing rhythm as the lead is clear and crisp.

“Sleigh Ride” starts with a The Ventures “Walk Don’t Run” rhythm, then quickly transitions to the melody we all know, then circles back again. Then, interesting enough, they go into Blue Öyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” briefly. This may be one of the more interesting versions of this song you will ever hear! This is the longest track at 4:37, but enough time for all those crazy transitions to bloom.

It all ends appropriately with “Auld Lang Syne.” Everything stays the course for the sake of this ringing in the new year song. Just under two minutes is the perfect curtain closer, and the addition of the sax gives it some extra holiday jazz tones.

Blue Wave Theory “slays” the music on Sleigh The Waves. With a mix of traditional Holiday melodies, surf instro, and unexpected twists, this album aims to inspire admiration and excitement among listeners.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

December 6, 2025

Tracks:

01. Greensleeves 03:39

02. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 03:38

03. Blue Christmas 02:18

04. Mele Kalikimaka 02:34

05. The Little Drummer Boy 04:29

06. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) 02:59

07. Wild Turkey (A Thanksgiving Treat) 03:19

08. Frosty the Snowman 02:24

09. Sleigh Ride 04:37

10. Auld Lang Syne 01:56

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Tourmaliners-Live & Alive

 Release Date: November 15, 2024

Label: Pacific Records

Website

The Tourmaliners hail from San Diego, where the weather is warm, and there are many beaches that surfers can enjoy. Being from that area instills a sense of history in their music, which is rooted in classic surf and rock instrumental sounds influenced by bands like The Ventures and The Shadows. You will hear that demonstrated in Live & Alive.

The Tourmaliners Are:

Deven Berryhill - Guitar

Joe Dameron- Guitar

Matt Clowminzer - Bass

John MacElwee- Drums

Live & Alive, recorded live at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego, CA, on July 16, 2024, is my first experience with this band, so it should prove to be a gratifying listen. The atmosphere was vibrant, with an energetic crowd that responded enthusiastically to the surf instrumental sounds, making the live experience even more compelling. Surf instrumental music played live is exciting and explosive. This recording captures the band’s energy in their hometown, providing a clear overview of material from all their recordings.

“Espania” starts the performance. Colorful expressions influenced by Spain fill the air. The guitars provide smooth lines, along with the glissando playing so well known in the surf genre. The bass and drums are massive, but do not drown out the lead guitar; it all blends very well. Over four minutes of vintage surf instro that any fan of the genre will appreciate! A great way to kick things off.

“Point Break” serves as surf reference, and as one would suspect, it’s pure surf instro from start to finish. The music is transitory, just like the surfer’s ride on the waves. The energy is tremendous with another powerful showing from the bass and drums setting the beat for the guitars to ride over. It lives up to its name.

“Coyote” starts with a slower tempo and atmospheric echoing notes that resonate through the air. Your mind wanders into a scenery where the coyote may roam; in this case, I envisioned a spaghetti western movie soundtrack in the desert, like one of the classics with Clint Eastwood. The drums and bass make the necessary adjustments for the definitive tempo and fills. Wordless vocals are added to give it a more realistic big movie screen feel. At 5:13, it is the second longest composition, and every moment is excellent!

“Swanky” gets heavy with fat bass lines and pounding drum sequences, and as the guitar arrives, it matches that intensity with a harder rocking edge than previous tracks. The second guitar is complementary with more subdued lines to balance things out. This track is not only swanky, but it also has some swagger and shows off the powerful chops this band can command.

“Con Permiso” translates to “excuse me.” This is where the band’s twang and reverb are highlighted once again, as the bottom end’s strength provides a solid foundation for everything else the guitars do. About halfway through, you hear some tasteful guitar licks, and the wordless background vocals lend the cinematic atmosphere once more. This shows strong Latin influence, with rapid fingerwork.

“Glasshouse” takes things in a different direction with a nice rhythm guitar and a clear hook that pulls you in right away. The lead guitar explores new territories, showcasing its versatility. While the surf influence is held, there are elements of rock and island sounds that give that feeling of being under a hot sun on a clear day as you watch the tide roll. The bass and drums perfectly pay respect to the genre. Smooth as silk and tastefully done makes it one of my favorites. The 5:39 track is the longest and effectively highlights their varied skills.

“Loco-Moco“ is very retro, reaching back to the first wave of surf, particularly with the guitars. This one is a real moving dance number, with a consistent beat and a rising tempo, from high to low, then back up again. If I were standing in a crowd at this concert listening to this number, my head would never stop bobbing.

“Voyage To Mars” continues the retro sound’s flow. I was brought back to when I first discovered surf instro and instrumental rock, listening to The Ventures and The Shadows. It was like imagining Nokie Edwards and Hank Marvin exchanging licks on stage.

“Surfidia” is their slow burner with a 50s resonant sound like “Sleepwalk.” Classic reverb twang with the waltz-like drums and bass setting the tone for those beautiful guitars to take flight. Tastefully done!

“Tiki Woodbridge” brings you back to the island surf setting. A medium tempo and well-placed guitar lines with a steady bass and drums bring you there instantly. The second guitar is just as essential in making this composition complete, each complementing the other nicely.

“Picante!” returns to the more traditional surf instro spaghetti western sound, with a Latin flair and color. The feeling of that cinematic front row seat to the Western comes to mind again easily. The dueling guitars answer the call as the bass and drums lay down a steady rhythm, and the guitars smoothly cross over the top. It eventually reaches a crescendo, then the tempo drops back down again.

“Grimace” closes out this fantastic set. They don’t hold back, and it starts with frenetic energy as the bass and drums are big again, as the guitar rips through with authority. Razor-sharp guitar lines punctuate the air as the pure power of this band is on display to leave a lasting reminder of just how good they are. This is a killer rocker!

Live & Alive is a superb live recording featuring the many facets of surf instrumental music. The players are spot-on, bring their “A” game, and give the audience a complete course on what surf and instrumental music can be and should be in a live setting.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder

December 2, 2025

Tracks:

01. Espania (Live)  04:07 

02. Point Break (Live) 03:32

03. Coyote (Live) 05:13

04. Swanky (Live) 03:08

05. Con Permiso (Live) 03:58

06. Glasshouse (Live) 05:38

07. Loco-Moco (Live) 03:05

08. Voyage To Mars (Live) 02:58

09. Surfidia (Live) 05:15

10. Tiki Woodbridge (Live) 02:44

11. Picante! (Live) 04:07

12. Grimace (Live) 03:44