Surf Rock Instrumental Track Review: The Jagaloons-I Touch Myself

    Release Date: February 5, 2026

         Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

I remember the song and the steamy video of the lead singer of The Divinyls, Chrissy Amphlett, singing “I Touch Myself” from their self-titled release in 1991. I think it was a great album and underrated.

There is nothing like a good cover to spark renewed interest in a band. The Jagaloons have done that with their own version of the track. There are some differences in sound and product presentation, of course.

Just in time for the next big holiday and all you sweethearts out there, they are releasing the song on a 7” heart-shaped flex format.

Yes, there is still significant creativity and novelty to explore in music, and the surf instro genre is well known for that. That is one of many reasons why I love the music and the community.

The track has a nice sound and follows the original, with some additional touches of surf to keep the band’s reputation intact as one of the premier surf rock instrumental bands.

“I Touch Myself” features strong sounds that evoke memories of music and a provocative form of self-love ignited by another. However you look at it, this is a great track, brought back to life by The Jagaloons, and worth your attention.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 7, 2026

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: Various Artists-Four By Four Compilation-7” Blue Vinyl

 Release Date: February 9, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

Colorado Instrumental Fanzine continues its fine coverage of the surf instrumental genre and community with one-of-a-kind vinyl releases available with their quarterly issues.

This time, we have the Four By Four Compilation, with two tracks on each side, available on iceberg blue or octopus ink black 7” vinyl.

Side A starts with Mark Malibu & The Wasagas with “Great Lake Surfer.” This is a great tune with a retro sound. The guitar’s clear, crisp tones are full of reverb, and the drums and bass are strong, with the beat we have all become accustomed to hearing.

The guitar’s leads are transitioning with a steady, consistent flow. As the sound shifts back and forth, you are transported back to the 60s, where it all began. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia and how it’s been preserved while keeping the sound fresh and modern with today’s recording techniques.

Humanga Danga is up next with “Red Desert Rampage.” Featuring the rapid tremolo picking and the echoing second layer of guitar. The sounds shift suddenly, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor and a quicker tempo. The guitar work is intricate, rhythmic, and unrelenting.  A very atmospheric track with rich color and cinematic excitement.

Sys Malakian kicks off side B with “Idilio.” Sys is a respected community member and Zine reviewer. His sound is idyllic for the lovers of the surf instro genre. He expertly blends traditional and modern sounds into his music. This is one example of his dexterity on the six-string. This is a fast mover, with the guitar’s subtle intricacies highlighted throughout.  It is like getting into the wayback machine in a modern studio setting. The replication of the classic surf sound is a specialty for Sys, and that is why he has such respect from fellow musicians and listeners alike.

The Terra Surfers close out this slice of vinyl with “Solar Vortex.” It begins with small steps to an eventual sound that gives it a mysterious sci-fi feel, which is the intent here. Being a vortex is an “out there” thing when one imagines it in the mind’s eye. The guitar’s resonant tones and layered effect, along with crashing cymbals and a thumping bass, hold you spellbound from start to finish. A great musical climax to close the curtain on this short trip around the world of surf instro.

Four By Four delivers everything that makes surf instrumental music essential: masterful musicianship, limited-edition vinyl pressed in iceberg blue or octopus ink black, stunning artwork, and four distinct artists each commanding their own vision of the genre. From retro reverence to sci-fi experimentation, this compilation captures the full spectrum of modern surf rock. If you’re serious about the genre, this is mandatory listening—don’t let this one slip away.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 3, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Great Lake Surfer-Mark Malibu & The Wasagas 2:56                          

2. Red Desert Rampage-Humanga Danga 2:57  

Side B:

1. Sys Malakian-Idilio 2:50                                            

2. Solar Vortex-The Terra Surfers 2:50

Surf Instrumental Review: The Terra Surfers-Mountain Waves

 Release Date: December 9, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

The Terra Surfers conquer nature with their debut EP, Mountain Waves. They are no stranger to the elements, hailing from Colorado Springs.

The cover art is an absolute depiction of surfing mountain style, combining it with their own picturesque view of their surroundings.

Getting you “Nerved Up” sets the mood with some decidedly twangy country-inflected guitar, then switches to a more traditional reverb-inflected surf sound. The bass and drums keep things on track, providing a tight foundation for those beautiful notes to drop. Starting off with a compact, energy-filled rocker was the perfect choice for this 4-track EP.

“Haboob” changes course, and you get the feeling from the track title that you are about to change locations. Suddenly, you are transported to a desert destination thousands of miles away, somewhere in the Middle East. That atmosphere grabs hold of you quickly as you start reminiscing about how the King of Surf Guitar, Dick Dale, sounded at his powerful best. The ebb and flow of the music is fantastic and cinematic. A great track with excellent musicianship from start to finish.

“Solar Vortex” takes you into yet another world as you launch into the mysteries of space and time. This is a sci-fi thriller kind of track. All the traditions of this great music are brought to bear with some fine tremolo from the six-string.  A fast mover with some intense playing at all positions. Tight musicians come together for another power-packed punch of surf instro with a science fiction motif.

“Under the Weather” clocks in over four minutes, and it will take you to another world just as all the previous tracks did. This is a slow burn in progress, as the instrumentation showcases these excellent musicians, highlighting their talents and crafting a rock instrumental classic with elegance and measured timing. This is the most atmospheric and dreamy track to close out this very impressive debut.

The Terra Surfers have crafted something rare with Mountain Waves: four distinct journeys that traverse the full spectrum of surf instrumental expression. To conjure vivid imagery through pure instrumentation demands both vision and restraint—qualities this Colorado Springs trio delivers with remarkable economy and precision. This is a debut that doesn’t just promise potential; it announces arrival.

Credits:

Shawn Gavan - Lead Guitar / Primary Songwriter / Producer.  (formally of the Michigan based surf/spaghetti western band "Guitar UP!")

Emily Gould - Drums (https://www.facebook.com/emilygoulddrumming/)

Bret Major - Bass (https://www.youtube.com/@bretsbassment)

Mark Utz - Rhythm and Lead Guitar / Songwriter

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 1, 2026

 Tracks:

1. Nerved Up 2:32

2. Haboob 3:07

3. Solar Vortex 2:52

4. Under the Weather 4:05