Surf Instro Review: Chum-Cheater Five

Note: The music I reviewed at the time was not the entire album included here for streaming, which is the Dewey Decibel System. It was a long time ago, so the band may have sent me a sample or demo to listen to.

If you are not familiar with the lore of the sea, chum is a mixture of fish, blood, and various other parts used to lure sharks. Musically, this isn’t chum. It’s surf-instro, nothing fancy. That’s why Chum’s Cheater Five has an appeal and a certain charm.

In surfing, a "Cheater Five" is a maneuver where a surfer moves their front foot to the very tip of the board's nose while maintaining most of their weight on their back foot.

Of course, seeing the world through your mama’s brown-eye isn’t charming. But this band's carefree and fun attitude is undoubtedly entertaining. I tend to laugh at what others may find disgusting, what can I say? I got a good laugh when I looked at the sub-title of track two. Their attitude is much like their music — carefree and fun.

This group, a typical surf-instro trio, is a delight to listen to. Their music is carefree and fun, much like their attitude. This CD serves as a good introduction to musicians with some promise. However, five songs are hardly enough to satisfy our appetite for their music. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting more.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 16, 2001

Tracks:

1. Surf Song

2. In The Green Room (Through Your Mama’s Brown-Eye)

3. Raptor

4. Spinout

5. Cheater 5

Surf Instro Review: Light Valley Shadows-Rapid River

You may find the latest release from Light Valley Shadows, Rapid River, a delightful surprise. Their unique blend of influences from The Shadows and The Ventures creates a distinct sound that sets them apart.

This album is a testament to the band's infectious energy. The covers are executed with precision, and the original material is truly impressive. It's a complete package of bouncy fun and excitement.

Their music is very tasteful, and the colorful cover leads you to believe that what's inside will be a great experience. It is true to form as the group navigates 19 cuts of pure instrumental gold (as they refer to their music on their website) with an effortless and natural style.

There is a nice flow to this recording. The mixture of covers and originals keeps you on your toes and interested in what's coming next. The group succeeds in all aspects and leaves you in an upbeat and fancy-free mood. That's what it's all about.

The Light Valley Shadows have made a significant mark in the surf-instro realm with this album. Their success is evident in the upbeat and carefree mood it leaves you in. It's a journey worth taking.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 22, 2000

Tracks:

01. Man of Mystery

02. Perfidia

03. Rapid River

04. Atlantis

05. Peace Pipe

06. The Stranger

07. Time is Tight

08. Foot Tapper/ Walk Don´t Run

09. Little B

10. Midnight in Moscow ( Podmoskovnyje Vetjera )

11. Sleepwalk

12. Round and Round

13. FBI

14. Gonzales

15. Find Me a Golden Street

16. The Boys

17. Quartermaster's Store´s

18. Frightened City

19. Passage through Millenniu

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Mulchmen - Greetings! From Planet Stupider

The only thing stupider than Greetings! From Planet Stupider, an instro fan would not pick up this fine slab of instro delight.

The Mulchmen, an immensely talented trio from Dayton, bring a unique sound that perfectly complements their sometimes-odd and unconventional musical surroundings. Their music is a delightful blend of instrumental rock that is sure to intrigue any music enthusiast.

 

The Mulchmen are Nick Kizirnis (cruise director), Brian Hogarth (Co-Pilot), and Gregg Spence (Navigator). That is lead guitar, bass, and drums in that order.

 

Big Beef Records has some prime cuts coming from their studios on this vibrant and diverse album. You can't quantify it as just surf, yet its influence echoes in the distance. This is instrumental rock. How do you stick a group like this in a particular genre? You just can't. Tabbed as surf-rock, they prove time and again that it's a very narrow description of their diverse sound. Their range is too far into the distant galaxies of instrumental wanderings to be categorized.

 

This is an excellent example of how to use your talent and explore and experiment with music. It's much easier to do when you don't have to sing a note. Let the music do the talkin'.  It speaks loud and clear, and it works.

 

Listening to The Mulchmen and their music was an entirely enjoyable experience. Their talent and creativity shine through in every note, making it a must-listen for any music fan.

 

As I listen to The Mulchmen, I find myself scratching my head and wondering why I haven't heard more of these guys. Their music is a testament to their talent and dedication, and it's a wonder they're not more well-known. They cook, and their fine-tuned synchronization is a joy to listen to. If you're an instro head, you need to get smarter and listen to Greetings! From Planet Stupider.

 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

January 17, 2000

Tracks:

01. Delta Velocity

02. Backscratcher

03. Spank The Lightning

04. The Stalker

05. Go-Go-Boot Camp

06. Pocketful Of Pennies

07. Yek-259

08. Lowdown

09. Automatic Egypt

10. Tiddytwister

11. Demanding The Impossible

12. Shadow Walk

13. Ripchord

14. Dr. Cyclops/Danger Todd Robinson