Surf Instrumental Review: The Terra Surfers-Mountain Waves

 Release Date: December 9, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

The Terra Surfers conquer nature with their debut EP, Mountain Waves. They are no stranger to the elements, hailing from Colorado Springs.

The cover art is an absolute depiction of surfing mountain style, combining it with their own picturesque view of their surroundings.

Getting you “Nerved Up” sets the mood with some decidedly twangy country-inflected guitar, then switches to a more traditional reverb-inflected surf sound. The bass and drums keep things on track, providing a tight foundation for those beautiful notes to drop. Starting off with a compact, energy-filled rocker was the perfect choice for this 4-track EP.

“Haboob” changes course, and you get the feeling from the track title that you are about to change locations. Suddenly, you are transported to a desert destination thousands of miles away, somewhere in the Middle East. That atmosphere grabs hold of you quickly as you start reminiscing about how the King of Surf Guitar, Dick Dale, sounded at his powerful best. The ebb and flow of the music is fantastic and cinematic. A great track with excellent musicianship from start to finish.

“Solar Vortex” takes you into yet another world as you launch into the mysteries of space and time. This is a sci-fi thriller kind of track. All the traditions of this great music are brought to bear with some fine tremolo from the six-string.  A fast mover with some intense playing at all positions. Tight musicians come together for another power-packed punch of surf instro with a science fiction motif.

“Under the Weather” clocks in over four minutes, and it will take you to another world just as all the previous tracks did. This is a slow burn in progress, as the instrumentation showcases these excellent musicians, highlighting their talents and crafting a rock instrumental classic with elegance and measured timing. This is the most atmospheric and dreamy track to close out this very impressive debut.

The Terra Surfers have crafted something rare with Mountain Waves: four distinct journeys that traverse the full spectrum of surf instrumental expression. To conjure vivid imagery through pure instrumentation demands both vision and restraint—qualities this Colorado Springs trio delivers with remarkable economy and precision. This is a debut that doesn’t just promise potential; it announces arrival.

Credits:

Shawn Gavan - Lead Guitar / Primary Songwriter / Producer.  (formally of the Michigan based surf/spaghetti western band "Guitar UP!")

Emily Gould - Drums (https://www.facebook.com/emilygoulddrumming/)

Bret Major - Bass (https://www.youtube.com/@bretsbassment)

Mark Utz - Rhythm and Lead Guitar / Songwriter

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 1, 2026

 Tracks:

1. Nerved Up 2:32

2. Haboob 3:07

3. Solar Vortex 2:52

4. Under the Weather 4:05

Surf Instrumental Review: Monster Wave-Return of Monster Wave!

 Release Date: January 28, 2026

Label: Independent

Website

Monster Wave began as a one-man project but has since evolved into a full band, bringing fresh energy to their catalog.

Two tracks from their earlier releases— “Beyond The Reef” and “Pazuzu Luau”—have been re-recorded with the expanded lineup. From a creative standpoint, revisiting these songs with new players makes perfect sense, breathing new life into familiar material.

Your introduction to the recent EP, Return of Monster Wave! is this statement on their Bandcamp page: Four terrifying tracks make up this collection of music that scientists say should not exist!

The black-and-white cover art also evokes thoughts of terror and distress. Could their music conjure these images and thoughts?

“Attack of the Vampire Mermaids” gets things rolling with rhythmic guitar, then some keyboards are added for that retro synth effect (Think Ghostbusters). It is an energetic mover to get your “blood” pumping for oncoming mermaids!

“Beyond The Reef” features an immediate jump into a spooky, mysterious scenario. The bass plays a prominent role in this track, and the drums are up to the task. But it’s the guitar that truly commands attention—the lifeblood of surf instro—weaving through dramatic shifts in mood and tempo with masterful precision. Each transition feels deliberate, like a cinematic movement, as the guitar alternates between haunting melodic phrases and explosive bursts of energy. Thoughts of 60s spy thrillers or B movies come to mind.

“Breakbone Break” focuses on their classic surf-instruo sound, featuring excellent tremolo work. The playing is superb, keeping a strong hold on the past while using modern studio tech for that clear, crisp, reverberating sound we all love.

“Pazuzu Luau” closes the EP with a devilish flourish. The title references Pazuzu, a demonic deity feared by Babylonians and Assyrians throughout the first millennium BCE—here reimagined as the guest of honor at a twisted beach party. Staying true to their horror-infused aesthetic, the band unleashes a sonic assault: a driving rhythm section, sinister organ lines, searing guitar licks, and strategic bursts of feedback and sustain. The track’s layered complexity and stellar mix deliver a powerful punch, making for a memorable finale.

Scientists may warn you that these tracks should not exist—and Monster Wave defies the very laws of sonic physics—but after hearing them, I am certain you will not be able to live without them. But then again, that was Monster Wave’s diabolical plan all along…

Monster Wave! Is:

Guitar/Bass/Writing: Casey Willis

Bass/Guitar/Writing: Joel Shuman

Keyboard/Guitar/Writing: Ryan Grisso

Drums: Lee Rubenstein

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

January 30, 2026

Tracks:

1. Attack of the Vampire Mermaids 03:09

2. Beyond The Reef 03:12

3. Breakbone Break 02:28

4. Pazuzu Luau 04:08

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Mark Malibu & the Wasagas- Knock Me Out!

 Release Date: January 16, 2026

Label: Sharawaji Records

Website

Wasaga Beach is a town in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Situated along the longest freshwater beach in the world, it is a popular summer tourist destination.

Mark Malibu and the Wasagas, from Toronto, Canada, have released 16 new songs on Knock Me Out!, three of which appeared on their 2025 EP Pepper Stomp. That’s a total of 18 tracks. There are a lot of songs, but with many under two minutes, it flies by. Savor every second.

The album opens with humor on “K. M. O! – intro.” You’re instantly set in the mood for a surf rock instrumental journey. The colorful artwork ties everything together as you dive wave after wave into superb surf rock.

There are many highlights, including “Reef Break,” a traditional surf stomp with a contagious rhythm and excellent guitar leads.

“Love in Liverpool” switches things up, bringing a new atmosphere and standout bass and drums with a tribal backbeat. The guitar offers a retro nod to Hank Marvin and The Shadows. It could easily pass for an early ’60s tribute to that era.

For a longer, more complex track, “Night Stalker” is their 3:42 opus. Its atmosphere conveys the creepiness of its title, creating real trepidation. Yet there’s beauty in the instrumentation, with well-placed guitar reverb. Beauty inside the grey cloud shows prolific music creation.

“The Swerve” stands out with its irresistible rhythm and precise guitar work. It transports you to the time when this music first caught on in Southern California. Thinking about the innocence of those days brings a bittersweet sadness compared to today.

For diversity, “Jibbed Again” captures the island sun-and-surf vibe. The restrained transitions set the scene perfectly.

Bright guitar fills punctuate the lighter tones, while solid rock elements anchor the prominent surf foundation. The punk edge from previous releases has disappeared entirely—this is a straightforward tribute to the genre’s roots. The album delivers on its promise: skilled musicianship that respects the tradition without trying to reinvent it.

Knock Me Out! blends clean guitar runs, exceptional bass and drums, and a focused surf-instrumental sound. To end it, you get an old-time radio spot promoting the album, a perfect nostalgic way to close the curtain.

Credits:

Mark Malibu: Electric & Acoustic Guitars & Organ • Steve Turner: Drums & Percussion Ricky Wasaga : Bass • Fast Mike : Guitar • Go - Go : Starlotte Satine

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 28, 2026

Tracks:

01. K. M. O! - intro :22

02. Knock Me Out! 1:46

03. Jellyfish Attack 1:53

04. Reef Break 2:16

05. Love in Liverpool 2:29

06. Turning Point 2:02

07. Night Stalker 3:42

08. Kick Trick 2:05

09. The Swerve 2:22

10. Pepper Stomp! 2:28

11. Mini Chopper 1:58

12. Impact Zone 1:59

13. Jibbed Again 1:53

14. Surfer’s Cross 1:53

15. Cutting the Edge 3:11

16. Moonstone Surfer 2:08

17. On The Way To Warrington 2:44

18. K.M.O! - Radio ad :51

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