Surf Instrumental Review: Monster Wave-Return of Monster Wave!

 Release Date: January 28, 2026

Label: Independent

Website

Monster Wave began as a one-man project but has since evolved into a full band, bringing fresh energy to their catalog.

Two tracks from their earlier releases— “Beyond The Reef” and “Pazuzu Luau”—have been re-recorded with the expanded lineup. From a creative standpoint, revisiting these songs with new players makes perfect sense, breathing new life into familiar material.

Your introduction to the recent EP, Return of Monster Wave! is this statement on their Bandcamp page: Four terrifying tracks make up this collection of music that scientists say should not exist!

The black-and-white cover art also evokes thoughts of terror and distress. Could their music conjure these images and thoughts?

“Attack of the Vampire Mermaids” gets things rolling with rhythmic guitar, then some keyboards are added for that retro synth effect (Think Ghostbusters). It is an energetic mover to get your “blood” pumping for oncoming mermaids!

“Beyond The Reef” features an immediate jump into a spooky, mysterious scenario. The bass plays a prominent role in this track, and the drums are up to the task. But it’s the guitar that truly commands attention—the lifeblood of surf instro—weaving through dramatic shifts in mood and tempo with masterful precision. Each transition feels deliberate, like a cinematic movement, as the guitar alternates between haunting melodic phrases and explosive bursts of energy. Thoughts of 60s spy thrillers or B movies come to mind.

“Breakbone Break” focuses on their classic surf-instruo sound, featuring excellent tremolo work. The playing is superb, keeping a strong hold on the past while using modern studio tech for that clear, crisp, reverberating sound we all love.

“Pazuzu Luau” closes the EP with a devilish flourish. The title references Pazuzu, a demonic deity feared by Babylonians and Assyrians throughout the first millennium BCE—here reimagined as the guest of honor at a twisted beach party. Staying true to their horror-infused aesthetic, the band unleashes a sonic assault: a driving rhythm section, sinister organ lines, searing guitar licks, and strategic bursts of feedback and sustain. The track’s layered complexity and stellar mix deliver a powerful punch, making for a memorable finale.

Scientists may warn you that these tracks should not exist—and Monster Wave defies the very laws of sonic physics—but after hearing them, I am certain you will not be able to live without them. But then again, that was Monster Wave’s diabolical plan all along…

Monster Wave! Is:

Guitar/Bass/Writing: Casey Willis

Bass/Guitar/Writing: Joel Shuman

Keyboard/Guitar/Writing: Ryan Grisso

Drums: Lee Rubenstein

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

January 30, 2026

Tracks:

1. Attack of the Vampire Mermaids 03:09

2. Beyond The Reef 03:12

3. Breakbone Break 02:28

4. Pazuzu Luau 04:08

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Mark Malibu & the Wasagas- Knock Me Out!

 Release Date: January 16, 2026

Label: Sharawaji Records

Website

Wasaga Beach is a town in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Situated along the longest freshwater beach in the world, it is a popular summer tourist destination.

Mark Malibu and the Wasagas, from Toronto, Canada, have released 16 new songs on Knock Me Out!, three of which appeared on their 2025 EP Pepper Stomp. That’s a total of 18 tracks. There are a lot of songs, but with many under two minutes, it flies by. Savor every second.

The album opens with humor on “K. M. O! – intro.” You’re instantly set in the mood for a surf rock instrumental journey. The colorful artwork ties everything together as you dive wave after wave into superb surf rock.

There are many highlights, including “Reef Break,” a traditional surf stomp with a contagious rhythm and excellent guitar leads.

“Love in Liverpool” switches things up, bringing a new atmosphere and standout bass and drums with a tribal backbeat. The guitar offers a retro nod to Hank Marvin and The Shadows. It could easily pass for an early ’60s tribute to that era.

For a longer, more complex track, “Night Stalker” is their 3:42 opus. Its atmosphere conveys the creepiness of its title, creating real trepidation. Yet there’s beauty in the instrumentation, with well-placed guitar reverb. Beauty inside the grey cloud shows prolific music creation.

“The Swerve” stands out with its irresistible rhythm and precise guitar work. It transports you to the time when this music first caught on in Southern California. Thinking about the innocence of those days brings a bittersweet sadness compared to today.

For diversity, “Jibbed Again” captures the island sun-and-surf vibe. The restrained transitions set the scene perfectly.

Bright guitar fills punctuate the lighter tones, while solid rock elements anchor the prominent surf foundation. The punk edge from previous releases has disappeared entirely—this is a straightforward tribute to the genre’s roots. The album delivers on its promise: skilled musicianship that respects the tradition without trying to reinvent it.

Knock Me Out! blends clean guitar runs, exceptional bass and drums, and a focused surf-instrumental sound. To end it, you get an old-time radio spot promoting the album, a perfect nostalgic way to close the curtain.

Credits:

Mark Malibu: Electric & Acoustic Guitars & Organ • Steve Turner: Drums & Percussion Ricky Wasaga : Bass • Fast Mike : Guitar • Go - Go : Starlotte Satine

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 28, 2026

Tracks:

01. K. M. O! - intro :22

02. Knock Me Out! 1:46

03. Jellyfish Attack 1:53

04. Reef Break 2:16

05. Love in Liverpool 2:29

06. Turning Point 2:02

07. Night Stalker 3:42

08. Kick Trick 2:05

09. The Swerve 2:22

10. Pepper Stomp! 2:28

11. Mini Chopper 1:58

12. Impact Zone 1:59

13. Jibbed Again 1:53

14. Surfer’s Cross 1:53

15. Cutting the Edge 3:11

16. Moonstone Surfer 2:08

17. On The Way To Warrington 2:44

18. K.M.O! - Radio ad :51