Surf Instro Review: Laika & The Cosmonauts-Absurdistan

Warner Bros. initially released Laika & The Cosmonauts' Absurdistan only in Finland, a decision that might puzzle some of us. However, this album is a gem that deserves a global audience. 

Having heard a few of their previous releases, I can confidently say that Absurdistan surpasses them all. This is not to discredit the group's earlier work, as they have consistently delivered good music over the years.

This is a high achievement, considering all the factors that come into play when recording an album from start to finish.

The original release of Absurdistan featured thirteen tracks, each a testament to Laika & The Cosmonauts' musical prowess. The American release, however, offers a little extra. In addition to the original tracks, listeners can enjoy three bonus remixes that add a new dimension to the album's sound.

Laika & The Cosmonauts have matured into one of the instrumental genre's best, showcasing their versatility by touching upon every sub-genre of surf-instrumental music. This flexibility in their music creates a pleasing range that transcends all age barriers. It's a superb, mature sound that’s sure to captivate any listener.

As a self-proclaimed surf-instro addict, it takes a lot to impress me after years of listening to this type of music. Being a hardcore Ventures fan makes me more critical than the average listener. Laika & The Cosmonauts pass the test.

This kind of music needs some inventiveness and artistic faculty to sound fresh and invigorating. Laika & The Cosmonauts have managed to infuse their music with these qualities, offering a different slant with a consistent, ear-catching eminence in each song. This CD rocks.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 15, 2000

Tracks:

01. Disconnected 

02. Turquoise 

03. Look! No Head!  

04. Hypno-Wheel, The   

05. Boris The Conductor   

06. Lands End   

07. Circumstantial Evidence

08. The Freefaller   

09. Syncophant   

10. Silenzio  

11. Hi & Lo   

12. Nanaki   

13. Rough Ground  

14. Silenzio In Dubsurdistan

15. Rough Evidence On Circumstantial Ground    

16. Re-Inventing The Hypno-Wheel

Surf Rock Instro Review: Slacktone-Into The Blue Sparkle

I was obviously gushing about this release, and I still am to this day. Yes, Slacktone was that good!

It's been a few years since we've heard from the surf-instrumental supergroup Slacktone. Their new album, Into The Blue Sparkle, is a title that perfectly captures their essence. The sparkling blue surf is where the group draws its inspiration, crafting a unique sound that is unmistakably theirs. They are a surf-instro band, and their music is a testament to that. With just the right blend of rock, they give their sound that extra push, making it a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

I couldn't stop listening to their debut CD. I nearly wore it out. I awaited this release with anticipation. All of my expectations were met after listening to this highly energetic set of instrumental pearls. You will discover sixteen tracks of non-stop, power-driven twang, drowning in reverb, blended with essential elements of traditional surf, such as tremolo picking, rapid drumming, and melodic bass lines.

Although this outing isn't as dynamic and infectious as their first release... It's excellent. It's also several notches above any other group attempting to accomplish the same sound. Mind you, few can replicate the sound that Slacktone produces. Any group would be hard pressed to duplicate what they did on their first CD. Out of this world guitar and consistency are commonplace on any Slacktone recording. You can always count on that.

The spitfire guitar of Dave Wronski, the pounding tsunami-like bass of Mike Sullivan, and the tribal rhythmic beat of Dusty Watson's drum kit push the whole group to the very limits of their potential. The mix and chemistry of the final product are constantly challenged by the sheer power and force that the trio generates.

How could you possibly miss the target with songs like "Coffin Closer", "Secret Exit Man," "Glide," and "Brian's Beached Piano" (rest in peace, brother). The titles of the songs alone embody the culture, people, and music of surf-instro 100%.

There's The Space Cossacks, Satan's Pilgrims, and Jon & The Nightriders...then there is Slacktone. There is only one Slacktone. They have not only secured their place in music history but have also carved a niche for themselves as one of the very best of the third wave of surf-instrumental music. As a fan, it's a proud moment to witness their contribution to the music world.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

November 10, 2000

Tracks:

01. Coffin Closer    

02. Longboard Legato    

03. Bird Bone    

04. Daytona Mona    

05. Into The Blue Sparkle    

06. Blast Bolero

07. Brian’s Beached Piano    

08. Rell Sunn Aloha    

09. Stickman   

10. Glide   

11. Saga (of the Floating Cowboy Hat)

12. Slanky   

13. South Run   

14. Tiki Bar Crawl   

15. Avalon Slip    

16. Secret Exit Man

John Blair Interview (Part One)

I had the opportunity to speak to another surf music legend and author, John Blair, of Jon and the Night Riders.

This was a great conversation, and learning about how things happened for John was fascinating.

Give it a listen!