Surf Rock Instro Review: Swivlin Wahine - Various Artists

What do we have here? Another surf-instro compilation called Swivlin Wahine? Yes indeed, and a double CD! Skully Records has outdone everyone this year with a double whammy of some of the best surf, instro, and garage music put together on one disc.

 35 tracks of great music that evoke images of beach culture, loud guitars, and beautifully tanned beach bunnies waiting for their heroes to come in from the thundering waves.

Whether you're looking back in time or thinking about the present day, it all stands for the same thing: loud music and fun in the sun. As plain and simple as the music that drives the stories, this is music to relate to. If you live in Minnesota or California, it doesn't matter. Anyone with an ounce of Americana running through their veins can find some pleasure in this music. I love it, and I always have. I'm sure you will too.

 

You will recognize some of the names, while others may be unfamiliar. Some of the heavyweights of the genre make an appearance…Slacktone, The Balboas, The Exotics, The Aquamen, and Plank. The list is endless. Even the tracks with vocals, which are often overlooked, are of exceptional quality. Now that says a mouthful regarding the quality and consistency of this recording. This CD doesn't lack in any areas; it's a real keeper. Now go get your Wahine Swivlin!

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 16, 2000

Tracks:

Disc One:

01. Jonny and the Shamen - S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Girl      

02. Glamour Puss -Space race

03. The Swamis -Swami Shot     

04. The Supersonicos -Execute Plan A

05. Slacktone - Gung Ho for Don Ho   

06. The Papaya Kings - Zombie Creep

07. The Balboas - Mt. Olive     

08. Voodoo Court-Fun Love In A Thong Bikini

09. Call Me Pepe - Mayday Malone   

10. Brazil 2001 - Girl From Orange County

11. The Exotics -Taste Of Honey   

12. The Del-Vamps - Monkey Surf

13. Partia -Pociag Do Nikad     

14. Las Patatas Bravas -Return of the Thin Man

15. Reach Around Rodeo Clowns -Bad Dudes A Surfin   

16. The Redliners -Crime Scen

17. Austin Transit Authority -Bock’s Car

 

Disc Two:

01. The Vibro Counts - Voyage Around The Moon   

02. Lonely Knights - Crash   

03. Urban Surf Kings - Giant Cow

04. The Lucky Shoes - The Wedge    

05. The Bone Sharks- Shark Byte

06. Mill Valley Taters -Hey Mr. Rock N Roll (part 4)   

07. Captain Bigwheel - Barbecue Gone Bad

08. Dirk Doom and the Overdrive Orchestra - Come Get Some   

09. The Waistcoats - Trailspotting

10. The Deadcats - Dragstrip 69   

11. The Aquamen - Rioja

12. 3 Balls of Fire - Island Girl    

13. Aqualads - Hotbox

14. Splashback - Over The Edge  

15. Los Mel-Tones - Breakers At Hanalei

16. Swamp Donkeys - Viva Sateanico  

17. Plank -South Sea Island

18. Da Surfones -Solo Surf

Surf Rock Instro Review: The Infernos-On Fire!

The Infernos couldn't have chosen a more appropriate name for their album, On Fire!.

Each member of The Infernos —Harry Mack (drums), Stevin Perez (bass), and Guy Stevens (guitar) —brings a unique energy to the group, creating a sound that is truly one-of-a-kind in the surf-instro genre.

This is genuinely exciting music. The Infernos dish out simplistic power chords with just enough twang and reverb so you can smell the salt air or picture a surfer in a monstrous tube. This kind of music can paint pictures in your mind's eye, as you would expect from such energetic and powerful music.

"Sunset" is a classic… it gave me chills. It's filled with the kind of lead guitar that you would expect from The Mermen or The Surf Kings, just outstanding.

The guitar invites you into a world of your own making. That's the beauty of great surf-instro. Of course, I feel the entire album is exceptional, "Sunset" happens to stand out amongst the rest.

Despite being released in 1998, this album still feels fresh and exciting. It's a testament to the timelessness of The Infernos' music, and a must-have for any surf-instro fan.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 18, 2000

Tracks:

01. Big Kahuna

02. Sandstorm

03. The 1/4 Mile 

04. Showdown 

05. The Mule 

06. Riptide 

07. Sunset 

08. The Roach 

09. Surf's Up 

10. The Great Escape 

11. Psychedelia 

12. Surfboard 

13. James Bond Theme 

14. The Last Wave 

Surf Instro Review: The O'Haras-Facile à boire!

The O’Haras have returned with a five-song EP titled Facile à boire! (Easy to drink!) to tease their fans and get them worked up into a frenzy in anticipation of another full-length release.

Get ready for another platter jam-packed with high energy and fun, as the group is preparing to offer up another maniacal instro album soon after this taste test is over.

Twang and the horns of Herb Alpert? Well, that combination may have the purists cringing, but it works very well.

I enjoy the surf-instrumental sound, complemented by the sound of Latin horn sections. If it's an Herb Alpert classic song, then so be it! Regardless, it's a great experience and a lot of fun.

A good helping of twang, reverb, and spicy horns makes this EP a quick but satisfying jaunt into the colorful world of the instro genre and its many sub-genres.  Flavorful enhancements make for an interesting mixture. Oh la! Let's rock and surf Latin style.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 12, 2000

Tracks:

01. A Taste Of Honey  

02. Facile A Boire

03. On Her Majesties Secret Services  

04. Good Herb This Year, Alpert!  

05. The Bullfight  

Surf Instro Vinyl Review: King Pelican with Chris Barfield - Vaquero/Mirage

Release Date:  February 28, 2025

Label: Western Satellite Music

King Pelican with Chris Barfield is a limited edition 45 release on 7” black vinyl with colorful, stimulating sleeve artwork. It has two tracks.

A big thanks to Matthew Clark, the creator of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine, for providing a copy of the zine with the record and a great interview with Ernest Hernandez of King Pelican.

 

“Vaquero” has a nice, clear sound with plenty of rhythm. The guitars are the highlight, backed by excellent accompaniment from the bass and drums.

 

The sound is retro and new, all at the same time. The backing rhythms keep your toes tapping while the lead takes you away to instrumental surf nirvana. The lead guitar cuts through and leads the way, while all the elements are still present, yet in a supporting role, for those stinging, surfy leads.

 

The sweeping sounds and atmospheric tones are memorable. It is an excellent track!

 

“Mirage” is depicted colorfully on the artwork sleeve with the cowboy surfer watching the setting sun in the desert. The band’s leader, Ernest Hernandez, is from the great southwest, Texas.

 

The track takes a decidedly different turn in sound, beginning with atmospheric effects and well-placed soft leads before the entire band breaks out into a more upbeat sound. The rhythm section comes through again to get those juices flowing.

This music has its complexities, and it becomes evident once the entire band joins in. The smooth flow and sound reminded me of some Shadows music I have heard over the years.

 

The lead guitar is outstanding with catchy hooks and that echoing reverb we all love to hear on surf instros. The crescendo of music is sweet ear candy that you want to spin again.

 

King Pelican, featuring Chris Barfield, has released two great tracks.

 

As is often the case with releases of this type, there are limited copies available. Please give it a listen and grab your copy to support this work and add another piece of surf instro vinyl to your collection.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music And Art Reviews Founder

June 28, 2025

The Players:

Chris Barfield: Guitar

Ernest Hernandez: Guitar

Darren Kuper: Drums

Kris Zebrowski: Bass

Surf Instro - Rock Review : An Evening In Nivram - The Music Of The Shadows

The Shadows finally receive their due with an awe-inspiring tribute CD, An Evening In Nivram- The Music Of The Shadows, put together by the reigning king of surf-instro labels, MuSick Recordings. The label is known for its dedication to preserving and promoting the surf-instro genre, and has curated this exceptional tribute to The Shadows.

Besides The Ventures, The Shadows stand as one of the most influential groups of the 1950s and 1960s. The successes of a vast array of artists who have gone on to stardom are owed to Hank Marvin and his friends. The fact that so many people picked up an electric guitar after listening to a Shadows record is a testament to their profound impact on the music industry.

Despite its release a few years ago, this tribute CD remains a cornerstone of the surf-instro genre. It features some of the finest tracks handpicked from The Shadows' repertoire, a testament to their enduring influence. From The Omega Men to Satan's Pilgrims, the tracks have been handled with utmost care, preserving the timeless quality of The Shadows' music.

The Shadows, a group that has long been overdue for recognition on this level, finally receives its due with this tribute CD. All the participating groups are at the forefront of the instro scene and understand the pivotal role this music played in shaping the surf genre that blossomed in the sixties.

This release was timed perfectly, as the third wave of surf-instro —a modern resurgence of the genre —has taken hold of the world and continues to grow and fascinate us all with its vibrant music, characters, and culture.

An Evening in Nivram: The Music Of The Shadows is sixteen tracks of instrumental gold interpreted by the young and restless youth who strived for the classic Hank Marvin sounds. It's not the same as the original, but it was all done very well. Hell, I listened to this CD three times before I finally sat down to write about it! It's wonderful.

It is one of the best instrumental discs released in the last decade.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 2000

Tracks:

01. Main Theme-The Omega Men 

02. Apache-The Falcons 

03. Gonzlaes-The Hunington Cads

04. Atlantis-The Aqua Velvets

05. Man Of Mystery-The Fathoms 

06. The Savage-The Space Cossacks 

07. Don't It Make You Feel Good-The Boss Martians 

08. The Lute Number-The Troubadours

09. Evening Comes-The Alohas 

10. Tomorrow's Cancelled-The Tiki Tones 

11. Tales Of A Raggy Tramline-Davie Allan & The Arrows 8

12. Maroc 7-The Travelers Of Tyme 

13. The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt-Satan's Pilgrims

14. Zambesi-The Deoras 

15. Theme For Young Lovers-Teisco Del Rey 

16.  Back Home-Jim Mankey