Release Date: July 18, 2025
Label: Independent
Website
Barkada is The Woodhaven’s latest release. It is a Tagalog word meaning
a group of friends or a gang of friends. It often refers to a close-knit group,
sometimes even seen as a family-like unit. The band chose this name to reflect
their strong bond and shared musical journey. This term can be used in various
contexts, from casual gatherings to more organized groups like those found in
Filipino communities or artistic organizations.
They are a band with a unique blend of surf instrumental and music culture, telling you straight away who they are and how it
relates to their music.
Now on to the music, let’s see if this brotherhood can make
their music great!
“Bodega Run” starts the engines. They burst out with all their
strengths right out of the gate. What a great way to kick this album off.
The sound is retro in hyperdrive. The drums and bass are killing it too. In two
minutes and eight seconds, you already know this band is a well-oiled music
machine, showcasing their impressive technical skill.
The title track “Barkada” kicks it down a notch. Even so, the
drums and bass are still flying high. Those dueling guitars create a layer of
surf instro beauty, showcasing the band’s unique features. Clocking in at a bit
over 3 minutes makes things meatier and more complex. Some fine glissando and
tremolo make this one a classic.
“The Heat” is a quick jaunt into their world at 1:41. The steady
beats and bass set the tone, and the guitars layer over that nicely. Measured
strokes from the six strings and fine leads are the highlight here.
“Unlightened” begins with an atmosphere of intrigue, akin to
spy/surf, but they maintain the rapidity of the bass and drums foundation.
Nicely placed guitar notes from both players give this one a mellower tone like
a lure to the beach to catch some waves and sun.
“The Warden” returns to that explosiveness they are so adept at.
I am hearing some excellent guitar work throughout this recording, and this is
yet another example of going up and down the frets for some great action, just
like the first track.
“Andiamo!” features a thumping bass as the drums keep time. This
sounds incredibly smooth, thanks to their guitar sound. It created imagery of
an island beach front with the waves and warm air. It touched me that way, so
picturesque.
“Eruptors” is a good name for a surf song, and of course, the
music must match the title. It emulates that very well, as they consistently
demonstrate their ability to explode with a wall of sound. Having two guitars
layered over the bass and drums certainly adds depth.
“Bankshot” has a different tempo and overall tone, which I
appreciated. There is some repetitiveness in all music, and with surf instro,
the key is the drums, always. This was very melodic, more so than all the other
tracks so far, which gave it that different feel.
“JoJo & The Seven Seas” is an interesting title. It begins
with a slower melody, reminiscent of something you would hear in the 50s. At
least it hit me that way. Also, it does have the “island” sound. Some more
glissando done well and a nice transition to the other guitar. This was their
surf waltz, if you will.
“Tunnel” cranks from the first note over to a quick transition.
The drums are magnificent, and you can hear the rapid beats and crashing
cymbals as the guitars take you through the tunnel of sound (like through a gnarly wave). The guitars fire away like machine guns!
So why not close this out with their longest track on the
recording? A magnum opus! “The Dreamer” clocks in at 4:03. I love it when
surf instro bands decide to stretch things out, and the fun part is listening
to how many different directions they take their music. Here, they combine
their talents in the most significant way possible, demonstrating their
creativity. So many transitions and tempo changes make this a grand finale and
a tsunami of sound to drop the curtain on an outstanding performance from start
to finish.
Barkada is consistently entertaining, and ending it
all in a most untypical way was a pleasant surprise.
The Woodhavens Are:
Mel Anthony - Guitars
Jay Hooton - Guitars
Lukas Myhan - Bass, Howls
Jeffrey Warden - Drums
Note: Additional guitar on "Andiamo!" and "JoJo & The Seven Seas" by Evan Foster
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
July 31,
2025
Tracks:
01. Bodega Run 02:08
02. Barkada 03:21
03. The Heat 01:41
04. Unlightened 02:55
05. The Warden 02:15
06. Andiamo! 02:23
07. Eruptors 02:50
08. Bankshot 02:03
09. JoJo & The Seven Seas 02:43
10. Tunnel 02:03
11. The Dreamer 04:03
