Surf Rock Instro Review: Slacktone-Into The Blue Sparkle

I was obviously gushing about this release, and I still am to this day. Yes, Slacktone was that good!

It's been a few years since we've heard from the surf-instrumental supergroup Slacktone. Their new album, Into The Blue Sparkle, is a title that perfectly captures their essence. The sparkling blue surf is where the group draws its inspiration, crafting a unique sound that is unmistakably theirs. They are a surf-instro band, and their music is a testament to that. With just the right blend of rock, they give their sound that extra push, making it a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

I couldn't stop listening to their debut CD. I nearly wore it out. I awaited this release with anticipation. All of my expectations were met after listening to this highly energetic set of instrumental pearls. You will discover sixteen tracks of non-stop, power-driven twang, drowning in reverb, blended with essential elements of traditional surf, such as tremolo picking, rapid drumming, and melodic bass lines.

Although this outing isn't as dynamic and infectious as their first release... It's excellent. It's also several notches above any other group attempting to accomplish the same sound. Mind you, few can replicate the sound that Slacktone produces. Any group would be hard pressed to duplicate what they did on their first CD. Out of this world guitar and consistency are commonplace on any Slacktone recording. You can always count on that.

The spitfire guitar of Dave Wronski, the pounding tsunami-like bass of Mike Sullivan, and the tribal rhythmic beat of Dusty Watson's drum kit push the whole group to the very limits of their potential. The mix and chemistry of the final product are constantly challenged by the sheer power and force that the trio generates.

How could you possibly miss the target with songs like "Coffin Closer", "Secret Exit Man," "Glide," and "Brian's Beached Piano" (rest in peace, brother). The titles of the songs alone embody the culture, people, and music of surf-instro 100%.

There's The Space Cossacks, Satan's Pilgrims, and Jon & The Nightriders...then there is Slacktone. There is only one Slacktone. They have not only secured their place in music history but have also carved a niche for themselves as one of the very best of the third wave of surf-instrumental music. As a fan, it's a proud moment to witness their contribution to the music world.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

November 10, 2000

Tracks:

01. Coffin Closer    

02. Longboard Legato    

03. Bird Bone    

04. Daytona Mona    

05. Into The Blue Sparkle    

06. Blast Bolero

07. Brian’s Beached Piano    

08. Rell Sunn Aloha    

09. Stickman   

10. Glide   

11. Saga (of the Floating Cowboy Hat)

12. Slanky   

13. South Run   

14. Tiki Bar Crawl   

15. Avalon Slip    

16. Secret Exit Man

John Blair Interview (Part One)

I had the opportunity to speak to another surf music legend and author, John Blair, of Jon and the Night Riders.

This was a great conversation, and learning about how things happened for John was fascinating.

Give it a listen!

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