Surf Instrumental Review: Agent Octopus-Blue Eyed Surf

 Release Date: September 7, 2019

Label: Independent

Website

Over six years ago, Agent Octopus arrived on the surf instro scene. Blue Eyed Surf began a string of impressive releases, cementing their place in the community.

“Cape Fear” begins this eleven-track journey of fun in the sun. Their retro sound captivates your senses from the start. This is guitar-driven music. Three members contributed. The echoing notes flow, while the bass and drums hold down the backend nicely.

"Ghost Orchid" offers a mellow contrast to the opening track. Clocking in at 3:13, it features warm, resonant guitar sections that create an atmospheric effect, drawing the listener into its soundscape.

"Blue Eyed Surf" refers to its cover art, with island sounds and steady bass and drums supporting a guitar that evokes gentle waves on the shore.

"King Kong’s Revenge!" signals a tempo change at once. With notable work, guitars are taking various directions, growing more aggressive midway through. The hooks are catchy and memorable, reinforcing the track’s bold character.

"Sleeping With The Fishes" returns to mellow tones and thoughtful guitar parts. The bass is more prominent here, while cymbals and drums maintain an effective, supporting rhythm.

"Avalon" continues the band’s steady rhythmic flow. Surf influences continue as the group transitions between tempos. Bass and drums provide a strong foundation, allowing lead guitar lines to shine and exemplifying the group’s consistent rhythmic interplay.

Continuing, “Moonlight Over Mavericks” gently highlights the guitars’ soft touch, restraint, and tastefulness. There are moments when the guitar does a little staccato-like dance and then goes back into the more stretched-out leads.

“The Theme to the “Sun Chasers" reminded me fondly of what The Ventures would do covering themes to TV shows or movies. This is a bright sound, with a strong bass effect. It moves along quickly from start to finish. They do it all so well and are tightly knit with their instruments, using them to their fullest potential.

"Sandy Point" evokes a beach scene through expressive guitar and a solid rhythm section. This slower track uses their finite instrumental textures to evoke a scenic atmosphere, demonstrating the band’s ability to set a mood.

"Baby Octopus Walk" introduces a funkier rhythm, with Latin influences and familiar melodic elements, expanding on the album’s diverse range.

“Sleeping With The Fishes Too” closes the album by showcasing the band’s melodic strengths and cohesive sound. The shimmering guitars and well-crafted atmosphere provide a fitting conclusion to the track list, leaving a lasting impression.

Blue Eyed Surf continues to sound fresh regardless of the passing of time. Great music always holds its value, and Agent Octopus’s debut highlights their many talents.

Credits:

Jim Colby - Bass, Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards

Art Svrjcek - Lead & Rhythm Guitars,

Piano (Sandy Point), Bass (Blue Eyed Surf)

Bill Bates - Rhythm Guitars

Drums - Lew Bobbitt & Jeremy Carlson

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 27, 2026

Tracks:

01. Cape Fear 02:53 

02. Ghost Orchid 3:13

03. Blue Eyed Surf 2:39

04. King Kong's Revenge! 2:37

05. Sleeping With The Fishes 3:13

06. Avalon 3:11

07. Moonlight Over Mavericks 2:58

08. The Theme to the "Sun Chasers" 2:42

09. Sandy Point 3:25

10. Baby Octopus Walk 2:35

11. Sleeping With The Fishes Too 2:47

Surf Rock Instrumental Vinyl Review: The Aloha Joes - Self-Titled 7” Ocean Blue Vinyl EP

 Release Date: June 25, 2024

Label: Surf Wax

Website

The Aloha Joes are self-described as rippin’ surf 'n' roll from the howling barrels of North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia. Their self-titled 7” ocean blue vinyl debut EP features four tracks.

 They Are:

Drew Fulton: Guitar

Beau Cayton: Bass

Evan Cantwell: Drums

Side A begins with “Betty Cooper.” A wailing guitar is supported by a ready and steady bass and drum. The guitar goes through several gyrations of tempos and rockin’ phrases. The rhythm is exceptional, with standout guitar lines that are filled with expressive color and energy. A fine way to get things cranked up and live up to their surf ‘n” roll description!

“Wetsuit Wiggle” keeps the momentum going with some great backend beats and a storming bass line. The guitar’s resonating lines are upfront and punctuated by the strong support of the rhythm section. As indicated by the cover art, the board and the surf await just to wiggle into that wetsuit!

Side B explodes with “Pinball Summer,” cranking the tempo up another notch with rapid rhythms, as the guitar continues to showcase the full power and surf-rock instrumental command this band possesses at every turn. The weather is warm, and after a brisk ride on the waves, it’s time to head to the arcade, grab a burger and soda, and play some pinball!

“Art Alexakis (said some really nice things about us)” gets heavier right at the outset with some meaty chords. This is a flat-out rocker with crashing cymbals and a locomotive rhythm section just attacking it as the guitar’s aggressive stance is further enhanced by that support. The surf instro influences are left behind here as they prove to be straight-ahead rockers if they choose to.

The Aloha Joes put it all on the line on their debut release and leave a listener wondering how this could be topped on the next outing. Obviously, they have a talented lineup with the chops to continue growing and refining their sound. With all that said, I don’t think a debut could be much better than this!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Reviews and Art Founder

January 26, 2026

Tracks

Side A:

1. Betty Cooper 2:11

2. Wetsuit Wiggle 1:57

Side B:

3. Pinball Summer 1:45

4. Art Alexakis (said some really nice things about us) 1:55

Surf Instrumental Review: The Von Dwells- Self-Titled EP

 Release Date: January 20, 2026

Label: Independent

Website

The Von Dwells are from Portland, Oregon, and have released their debut self-titled EP. The first thing that grabs you is the classic hot rod monster art. This is a reach back to when this all started back in the 60s. The use of black and white is meant to draw your attention to all the activity.

This band has a decidedly Halloween feel to its concept and sound, and it gets it done with plenty of skill and energy.

"Meatball Flag" kicks off with a sound reminiscent of the start of an exciting or risky movie scene.  It is a great way to kick off this EP with a lot of energy and power, and some quick transitions to downtempo then back again.

“Firestorm” ups the ante on sustained energy with a fuzz guitar sound and the relentless bottom end pushing things along. Mid-point, it changes dramatically to a mellowed-out, sunny-beach sound, then, as quickly as that transitions, it jumps back into the original frenetic pace and starts rocking again. This is a fine surf instro track!

The song “Last Ride of the Damned” continues with heavy fuzz tones, very cool drums, and bongo sounds. You figure this should have a touch of evil, given the title. They succeed in maintaining that heavy sound from beginning to end. This is a killer track, a real rocker, and Davie Allan would be proud!

“Bananas Foster” features the legendary Evan Foster (Boss Martians etc.) on rhythm guitar. Evan is one of those guys who, for several decades, has been making great music with different bands and has had a hand in the success of other groups like The Von Dwells. This is a classic tremolo guitar run reminiscent of the first wave.

“Exit 13” sounds like a boding of what is to come, and it isn’t good! The music reflects that sentiment with an organ that gives it the necessary air of mystery and horror, right around the corner after taking that fateful exit to hell. Constant energy flows as the instruments’ power and excitement are once again highlighted in this track.

“Warlock Walk” finishes things up with more fuzz tone and powerful bass and drums kicking in for that guitar to take off again. An impressive amount of energy and precision is the modus operandi here, as it was in all the previous tracks, and an excellent way to end this exciting debut just as it started, with a flair for non-stop energy and the surf instro sound extraordinaire!

The Von Dwells have a great start into the surf instrumental world with a fine debut recording. They do not waste one second of their time and give all their energy and talent to every track. Even though this was just a taste, it will get you salivating for more once you hear it!

Credits:

Guitar: Grant Von Dwell

Bass: Rob Von Dwell

Drums and Percussion: Rick Von Dwell

Additional Musicians:

Mel Woodhavens - Rhythm guitar on "Meatball Flag" and gang vocal on "Last Ride of the Damned"

Evan Foster - Rhythm guitar on "Bananas Foster"

Dave Klein - Organ on "Exit 13"

Tien Doan - gang vocal on "Last Ride of the Damned"

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 25, 2026

Tracks:

1. Meatball Flag 02:41

2. Firestorm 03:00

3. Last Ride of the Damned 03:17

4. Bananas Foster 01:50

5. Exit 13 02:43

6. Warlock Walk 02:39