Surf Instro Review: Hypnomen - Watusi 99

A trio with a powerful punch best describes the Hypnomen. The group is able and willing to combine their onslaught of instro-surf-spy sound into one musical adventure after another on Watusi 99.

The tremendous production talents of MuSick Recordings and their innate ability to derive every ounce of musicianship from a group always push the artist to the next level. Therefore, MuSick is light-years ahead of everyone else attempting to produce the same outcome. The label is a shining example of the ability to utilize their talent and then build upon it to push each session into a towering achievement of sonic pleasure.

The Hypnomen's versatility is a key part of their appeal. They can transport you to a lounge exotica mood or take you on a thrilling journey into the world of instro-surf-spy with a single note. Their sound is bold, clear, and impactful, drawing from each sub-genre to create an energetic sound that's a pleasure to experience.

The group has achieved new heights of recorded perfection and has delivered its most outstanding effort to date on Watusi 99. This is recorded loud and meant to be played loud, so tune in and turn it up! The best aspect of this type of music is the imagery and excitement it can evoke. It doesn't get much better than this.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 5, 2000

Tracks:
01. Watusi 99

02. Orson

03. Helveteen

04. Aleikum

05. Astrotica

06. Lucumba

07. Fuzz and Fight

08. Satan at the Wheel

09. Oubrovnik (city of love)

10. Shalamar

11. Intruder

12. El Exorcista

13. Mescalina

14. Bossa Coma

Surf Instro Review: Pollo Del Mar - The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

https://pollosurf.com/

A release from the group Pollo Del Mar is anticipated with anxious excitement.  They are one of the premier third-wave surf groups that have made an indelible mark on the genre in their short time together.

Their first album, The Ocean Is Not For Cowards, was an impressive debut. This second release has more consistent driving energy than the first CD.

The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea separates Pollo Del Mar from the pack in a several convincing ways; the group has developed their unique sound, each tune is different and consistently over flows with powerful waves of energy, and last but not least, the sound of Pollo Del Mar remains very distinctive with the Latin-Spanish flavored guitar style of the group's leader Ferenc Dobronyi.

The multi-talented Dobronyi serves as guitar maestro, businessman, graphic artist, and gifted producer. The rest of the group has plenty to say on a musical level, and they all contribute to the overall recording process. All the correct elements are in place for a strong and tight group.

Every track is a reverb-tinged rocking gem. The only exception being the last track "Apache'99" which is a slowed down version of the song, like The Ventures on downers. It's not your typical cover, but then why be predictable? It's a clever version of a normally faster number. "The Saracen Gift" is a brilliant adaptation of "Little Drummer Boy" put to a haunting and dark soundtrack.

There is an ever-present changing and shifting of rhythms and beats throughout this recording. It's a real treat for any instro fan—tasteful and consistently top-notch instrumentation by one of the best surf-instro groups on the planet.

Pollo Del Mar is a very innovative and talented group, constantly pushing the boundaries of the surf-instro genre. This album is a testament to their universal appeal and their strong foothold in the surf-instro world, and is sure to inspire and impress any band or listener.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 03, 2000

Tracks:

01. Annabelle Lee

02. Cutlass Supreme

03. South of The Border

04. Jonny Foo: Ninja Chiropractor

05. Devil's Slide

06. Consuela's Revenge

07. Moon Over Marin

08. The Saracen Gift

09. Rt. 666

10. Apache'99

Surf Instro Review: Susan and The Surftones - All The Beat Live!!! All The Best (Live At The Bop Shop, Rochester, New York)

Susan and the Surftones, one of my favorite surf-instrumental groups, have finally released a live CD, All The Beat Live!!! All The Best. It was recorded Live At The Bop Shop, Rochester, New York.

Having never had the pleasure of witnessing a live show by the group, I was more than happy to give this disc a spin.

What sets Susan and the Surftones apart is their ability to bring the energy of a live show to their recordings. Their live, raw covers of familiar tunes explode with power. “Tramp” was my favorite track, a real classic surf-instro rocker that captures the band's live performance energy.

Susan told me in an interview earlier this year that they do covers because that’s what the crowd wants to hear at a live gig. Now we all get the opportunity to find why the crowd clamors for it.

This CD features twenty-one tracks of fun in the sun, along with sparkling waves of rock and roll to soothe your soul.

Susan is a straightforward woman, and her attitude is reflected in her music. When you listen to Susan and the Surftones, you're getting the real deal, straight up with no chaser. Their music is authentic and honest, just like Susan herself.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 12, 2000

Tracks:
01. Pipeline 

02. Rumble  

03. Stinger 

04. Baja 

05. Apache 

06. Sunburn  

07. Walk, Don’t Run  

08. Jezebel 

09. Tiki Kiki 

10. Jack The Ripper

11. Tequilla 

12. Trembler/Ace Of Spades 

13. Topsy 

14. Penetration 

15. Tramp 

16. Diamond Head 

17. Raw-Hide 

18. Spanish Wave

19. Blue Moon 

20. Wipe Out 

21. My Generation