Release Date: September 2, 2022
Label: Eats Records
Website
The Electric Heaters, From
The Film of The Same Name, is
a musical journey that delves into the forgotten films of decades past, serving as a captivating time capsule.
The band’s unique approach to this concept is sure to pique your interest.
The band’s decision to interpret
movie soundtracks through the lens of surf rock instrumental music is a bold
and impressive move. It’s a testament to their skill and creativity, and it’s
sure to leave you appreciative of their musical prowess.
The Electric Heaters have
masterfully crafted a 13-track album that is both atmospheric and
genre-bending. Their focus on the guitar, a staple of surf instro music, is
evident, but they also skillfully incorporate other elements, keeping you
captivated and engaged throughout.
“Nice Little Sunday” marks
the beginning of this cinematic musical journey. Straight away, you expect to
hear some of that retro first-wave surf instro, and they don’t disappoint. This is not
the explosive Dick Dale sound; it’s more like when the Shadows adopted their
softer approach, featuring tasteful, low-key guitar playing. There is a driving
bass and equally tasteful drum parts as well.
As the listen continues,
you will discover a lot of this type of sound, however, embellished with
stronger guitar leads and various transitions into sub-genres. All of which I
found very entertaining and eclectic, with excellent musicianship.
“Chai Yo!” begins with the
clinking of glasses, then straight into a funkier sound with the guitar riffs.
Then, there’s a brief glissando, followed by some fuzz tones. Yet another
switch-up occurs with a country riff, then a circle back to surf instro. The
Hammond B3 announces its arrival as it cranks away, creating another layer,
then some more rock-oriented guitar riffs. Three styles emerge here, and
although it was transitory, it all jelled nicely.
“Beyond Banzai” kicks off
with a walking bass line with an air of mystery, accompanied by a soft,
jazz-like guitar run, while the drums are subtle yet just right. Then, a change
to a country riff, followed by a return to surf, which is tasty. Some rapid
riffing, reminiscent of the Flamenco genre, fires off with conviction,
accompanied by some fine string bending. It ended as it began with a mysterious
vibe.
“Pandemic Slippers” is a
nice hypnotic island sound to relax and have a drink to (under that lone palm
or coconut tree). The soft, feathery sounds are like a comfortable pillow to
rest your head on. The guitar starts to spark with some tremolo, all the while
maintaining a lower tempo, then it returns to a more mellow acoustic guitar
sound. However, it is an electric guitar.
“Tainted Love” will be
recognized by many listeners. The band takes this classic hit through their own
paces, making it their own instrumental rock style. Notably, the bass and the
drums, per usual, keep it all on track with a great flow.
“Smart Aleck Kill” takes
off into spy and mystery mode. Guitar, bass, and drums collide for a great
soundtrack. All the layers of instrumentation are superb while creating and
enhancing the necessary effects to make it believable.
“Thing on the Doorstep”
gets you wondering what exactly that could be! I’m not going to look! It
features some tastefully done guitar picking. It is all very graceful with a
touch of glissando for extra flavor.
“Rumble at The Rum
Dungeon” is not what you would expect with a title like that. A horse gallop
begins with some Western picking on the guitar as the drums set the pace. It
picks up and moves on with more intense guitar, galloping along, then back
again to the original melody. It’s quite a ride!
“Montrose Beach” returns
to surf instro; however, it gradually gains some upward momentum with a slower
tempo. Metaphorically, like going from low tide to high tide. They launch into
some glissando to sprinkle it with traditional sounds. It was like being
transported to that sunny beach in my mind in a heartbeat.
“Tidepool Eyes” is more of
a slow-tempo with some excellent lap steel playing. It’s the beach or Hawaiian
sound (but not slack guitar). The bottom end helps to keep the mode mellow as
they subtly add their fills. A flavorful and atmospheric sound fills they are
with musical beauty.
“Creepy Tango” is a tango
with a dramatic edge. It’s funky, then a country lick, and back to the central
theme, so a lot of back and forth (which is their hallmark). An organ “creeps”
in as they make their musical circles with different styles within one track
(another one of their strengths). Notably, the bass stood out once again.
“Nut-Free Table” and a
drum roll, please…then another helping of the tasty guitar is offered (I am
thinking about how much they are
influenced by The Shadows again). The
addition of some nice drum work with the bass is a highlight. Melodic guitar
notes are featured, followed by a transition into a more decisive lead break. This is
bluesy and very good! Then back to the original melody with hooks.
Imagine a “Taco Volcano”!
Free food! Their Latin influences take over here with a surf flair. Restrained
guitar notes flutter off as the bass and drums remain strong, maintaining the
backbeat for the lead guitar to step
into the spotlight. Very atmospheric,
just as all the previous tracks were.
From The
Film of The Same Name is a trip
around the surf, instrumental, and rock genres. There is a lot to cover on this
listen, and it is all presented with conviction and taste. To be able to do
both of those things while creating a soundtrack over decades of films deserves
plenty of accolades.
Credits:
Matt Heaton: Guitar, Stylophone
Dave Piper: Bass
Jared Seabrook: Drums
With:
Michael Crane: Keyboards (2, 11)
Shannon Heaton: Flute (6)
Rich Hinman: Pedal Steel (10)
Val Mardot: Theremin (13)
Tracks:
01. Nice Little Sunday 02:19
02. Chai Yo! 02:46
03. Beyond Banzai 03:23
04. Pandemic Slippers 03:14
05. Tainted Love 03:48
06. Smart Aleck Kill 03:54
07. Thing on the Doorstep 02:57
08. Rumble at The Rum Dungeon 03:35
09. Montrose Beach 03:20
10. Tidepool Eyes 03:09
11. Creepy Tango 03:27
12. Nut-Free Table 04:59
13. Taco Volcano 04:10
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
September
26, 2025
