Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Intóxicos-End Times

 Release Date: August 20, 2019

Label: Independent

Website 

It’s time to jump back into the music time machine with Intóxicos and their 2019 release End Times.

I think the premise of this album is to send a message about how the “end times” are right around the corner because of all the subject matter in the track titles. In some cases, their music may not reflect the seriousness of the subject matter.

“Disaster” gets things rolling on this serious topic. Being that surf instro music is so much fun, I was not sure how this would sound. I can say right from the start, I never heard disaster sound so good!

“Poison Wave” has a great melodic riff and a 60s-swinging swagger. Excellent transitions featuring standout musicianship create the right atmosphere.

“Pacific Trash Vortex” has a lot going on and many changes throughout. Toe-tapping rhythms, with exceptional bass and drums backing the twangy with reverberating tones flying off the guitar, answer the call of the oceans.

“Last Refugees” has an island feel to it, and the guitars’ flourishes get you sitting under a palm tree on the beach, sipping that tropical drink as the sun bounces off the waves and surfboards. The sounds are hypnotic. Suddenly, it changes dramatically to a reggae beat, sounding like an entirely different track. It’s a brief burst, then back to the piercing guitar lines to finish.

“Invasion pt. 2” jumps right into a sci-fi movie. The music’s pace is significantly faster on this track. And because of that, it’s like imagining running away from the invaders. Weird emanations come from your speakers as the band sweeps you away once again into their world.

“Paradise Simulation” is something they excel at in their music. That is the idea of any good music: creating a scenario in your mind’s eye, a feeling of being there in an imaginary world. The bass and drums are superb once again as the six-string’s transitory nature unfolds.

“Keep Out” is a warning, but do we really want that? This music is so good! The tremolo sounds are strong here. This one really takes off, giving you a slice of their own trademark traditional surf instrumental sound. Very well done!

“Nuclear Alarm” begins with just that, the sound of an oncoming raid. That is something we never want to hear, and I think that’s the point. The tempo indicates a bit of chaos, then there is a big change about three-quarters in, with the tempo slowing down and some very nice guitar lines, then it finishes with a bang, no pun intended!

“Cyberattack” continues at a frenetic pace, like the quickness and purpose of such an attack; it’s decisive and damaging. There are a few points where they slow down, but they end on a high note.

“End Times” begins in a different territory, creating a somber tone and palette. The use of the organ is essential here as the guitar slows things down so you can absorb what this all means. The guitar sounds like bluesy surf, once again making sure it matches the tracks’ implications. Freaky synths enter the atmosphere, and the grand finale is that mushroom cloud entering the sky with a sonic boom. It is the longest track at 3:50 and one of the best.

End Times is a sonically tasty achievement by Intóxicos, proving that surf instrumental music can tackle weighty themes without sacrificing its raw energy and melodic joy. By weaving apocalyptic subject matter through reverb-drenched guitars and driving rhythms, they’ve expanded what the genre can express—showing that twang and tremolo can carry messages as urgent as any lyrics.

This album doesn’t just paint pictures; it redefines the canvas of what surf instro can be.

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

February 11, 2026

Tracks:

01. Disaster 2:28

02. Poison Wave 2:14

03. Pacific Trash Vortex 3:13

04. Last Refugees 3:25

05. Invasion pt. 2 2:17

06. Paradise Simulation 2:36

07. Keep Out 2:30

08. Nuclear Alarm 2:15

09. Cyberattack 2:13

10. End Times 3:50

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Agent Octopus-From Atlantis with Love EP

Release Date: July 7, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

Agent Octopus lived up to their name with the 2023 EP release From Atlantis with Love.

“Black Sea Reef” launches the waves of energetic surf instro with a distinctive retro sound. The twangy notes set a mellow mood, while the drums and bass stay steady and tasteful, enhancing the guitar’s ambiance. Great lead off track!

“Silver Surfer: Redemption” rolls in at 5:18, not your typical surf instrumental by any means. As the guitar’s gentle notes begin, the cello arrives immediately, creating a cinematic and dramatic feel.

As one would expect, it shifts into a tremolo-filled transporter, with exceptional bass and drums keeping the engines running for superb support. This is like a short film set to music, and the storyline could be about anything, but based on the recording’s title, it suggests a mystery and esoteric elements, all driven by the music’s energy and colorful bursts.  The momentum reaches an apex in the last half and ends with a count-out for timing 4, 5, and 6. This is a powerhouse of surf rock.

“Lew vs. The Kraken” changes back to their more mellow side with tasteful lead runs from the guitar. The track is very melodic, with catchy hooks that keep you engaged throughout. Flashes of isolated tremolo enhance the mood. I don’t know who Lew is, but I certainly understand the implications of The Kraken, and it seems to have been released. And if that is true, why is the atmosphere so sunny and surfy? Shouldn’t it be heavy and terrifying? Guess I will have to ask Lew once I find him! Regardless of my take on the track title, it’s another fine composition.

“Satellites... REVOLT!!!” is the shortest track, closing out this EP at 2:19 of their excellent music. Maybe those Satellites are revolting to find Lew! The guitar’s picking pace is like a high-speed chase, setting you off on another adventure. The reverberating notes flow effortlessly and continue to remind us just how good this band is.  

You get 4 excellent tracks of surf rock instrumentals from Agent Octopus on From Atlantis with Love.

Revisiting this band’s earlier work reveals a truth as clear as the crystalline waters of their namesake realm: Agent Octopus possessed a rare and undeniable mastery from their very first notes. Their sonic architecture—built on tremolo waves, reverb-drenched melodies, and rhythmic precision—stands as a testament to a band that didn’t merely stumble into greatness, but arrived fully formed, tentacles extended, ready to pull listeners into the depths of their immersive surf rock universe.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 10, 2026

Credits:

Featuring Grammy Nominated Chloe Mendola on Cello

(Silver Surfer: Redemption)

Chuck Sabo - Drums (Grammy award winner)

Art Svrjcek - Lead, Baritone, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars (no grammy...)

Jim Colby - Lead, Baritone, Rhythm & Bass Guitars (fingers crossed)

Tracks:

1. Black Sea Reef 03:36

2. Silver Surfer: Redemption 05:18

3. Lew vs. The Kraken 03:40

4. Satellites... REVOLT!!! 02:19

Surf Rock Instrumental Vinyl Review: The Aloha Joes- It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes (Ocean Blue EP LP)

Release Date: December 7, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Welcome to the “Official Surf Band of the U.S.A”, The Aloha Joes. The cover would be indicative of such a statement!

When I looked at the image and title, It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes EP immediately made me see past comic books flash by, featuring Jughead and Veronica. I remember seeing them on the rack, but I chose only the superheroes, such as Iron Man. I needed to clarify that because, from a little boy’s eyes, those comics looked too girly to me!

The cover illustration portrays the first wave: the beach party with the band and everyone dancing, where it all started with this music.

This ocean-blue LP EP features five tracks on one side. Sorry, no fancy etching on the back; it’s not necessary when you can deliver the goods for surf instro.

“Tabletoppin” starts with the sound of the ocean, and we are off and running with a fast pace, some tremolo licks, twang, and reverb. The rhythm is catchy as the drums (heavy on cymbals), and the bass is cranking at a high level. Then the guitar really takes off through several transitions, bouncing between surf and rock licks, and then ends abruptly.

“Couple’s Skate” features a different motif, with the guitar sounding more bluesy, with surf-rock lingering along the edges. This is more of a rock-oriented track for a while before taking the off-ramp to the surf instro lane. It’s a hook-filled dandy that will stick with you.

“Pickle the Beast” is a goofy track title, and there is a little introduction where two voices come in before it launches into full-on surf rocker. Meaty chords hit you like that perfect wave before it changes course again into a softer guitar run, then back to the higher-level tempo and heavier sound. More talking at the end wraps it up (you’ll have to listen to find out what they say).

“Knuckle Sandwich” is a quick, compact shot clocking in at under two minutes. I appreciate how a band can pack so much music into such a short period. They manage to cross over into several tempos and textures in this track, and it’s non-stop rockin’ fun.

“Midnight Snack” closes out this much-too-short foray into surf-rock instrumental nirvana. Yet another change in direction gives it that “The Munsters” soundtrack feel. All the fun happens at midnight, and after that, you know. Well, they prove it on this one. This is my favorite track, and I think it’s their best. They really let it fly on this one and explode into a real rocker! It was refreshing to hear them switch from a slower, surf-like tempo to a full-on cranking rocker.

Being diverse with your music within one genre always makes things more interesting, and The Aloha Joes seem to have it down to a science, and this EP is a tasty addition to their catalog.

Here is the kicker: you can get the vinyl EP in ocean blue or sunset orange for $10. That is a bargain for the excellent slice of surf and rock tracks you are going to enjoy.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 8, 2026

Tracks:

1. Tabletoppin’ 02:11

2. Couple’s Skate 03:07

3. Pickle the Beast 02:37

4. Knuckle Sandwich 01:58

5. Midnight Snack 03:30

Surf Rock Instrumental Track Review: The Jagaloons-I Touch Myself

    Release Date: February 5, 2026

         Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

I remember the song and the steamy video of the lead singer of The Divinyls, Chrissy Amphlett, singing “I Touch Myself” from their self-titled release in 1991. I think it was a great album and underrated.

There is nothing like a good cover to spark renewed interest in a band. The Jagaloons have done that with their own version of the track. There are some differences in sound and product presentation, of course.

Just in time for the next big holiday and all you sweethearts out there, they are releasing the song on a 7” heart-shaped flex format.

Yes, there is still significant creativity and novelty to explore in music, and the surf instro genre is well known for that. That is one of many reasons why I love the music and the community.

The track has a nice sound and follows the original, with some additional touches of surf to keep the band’s reputation intact as one of the premier surf rock instrumental bands.

“I Touch Myself” features strong sounds that evoke memories of music and a provocative form of self-love ignited by another. However you look at it, this is a great track, brought back to life by The Jagaloons, and worth your attention.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 7, 2026

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: Various Artists-Four By Four Compilation-7” Blue Vinyl

 Release Date: February 9, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

Colorado Instrumental Fanzine continues its fine coverage of the surf instrumental genre and community with one-of-a-kind vinyl releases available with their quarterly issues.

This time, we have the Four By Four Compilation, with two tracks on each side, available on iceberg blue or octopus ink black 7” vinyl.

Side A starts with Mark Malibu & The Wasagas with “Great Lake Surfer.” This is a great tune with a retro sound. The guitar’s clear, crisp tones are full of reverb, and the drums and bass are strong, with the beat we have all become accustomed to hearing.

The guitar’s leads are transitioning with a steady, consistent flow. As the sound shifts back and forth, you are transported back to the 60s, where it all began. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia and how it’s been preserved while keeping the sound fresh and modern with today’s recording techniques.

Humanga Danga is up next with “Red Desert Rampage.” Featuring the rapid tremolo picking and the echoing second layer of guitar. The sounds shift suddenly, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor and a quicker tempo. The guitar work is intricate, rhythmic, and unrelenting.  A very atmospheric track with rich color and cinematic excitement.

Sys Malakian kicks off side B with “Idilio.” Sys is a respected community member and Zine reviewer. His sound is idyllic for the lovers of the surf instro genre. He expertly blends traditional and modern sounds into his music. This is one example of his dexterity on the six-string. This is a fast mover, with the guitar’s subtle intricacies highlighted throughout.  It is like getting into the wayback machine in a modern studio setting. The replication of the classic surf sound is a specialty for Sys, and that is why he has such respect from fellow musicians and listeners alike.

The Terra Surfers close out this slice of vinyl with “Solar Vortex.” It begins with small steps to an eventual sound that gives it a mysterious sci-fi feel, which is the intent here. Being a vortex is an “out there” thing when one imagines it in the mind’s eye. The guitar’s resonant tones and layered effect, along with crashing cymbals and a thumping bass, hold you spellbound from start to finish. A great musical climax to close the curtain on this short trip around the world of surf instro.

Four By Four delivers everything that makes surf instrumental music essential: masterful musicianship, limited-edition vinyl pressed in iceberg blue or octopus ink black, stunning artwork, and four distinct artists each commanding their own vision of the genre. From retro reverence to sci-fi experimentation, this compilation captures the full spectrum of modern surf rock. If you’re serious about the genre, this is mandatory listening—don’t let this one slip away.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 3, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Great Lake Surfer-Mark Malibu & The Wasagas 2:56                          

2. Red Desert Rampage-Humanga Danga 2:57  

Side B:

1. Sys Malakian-Idilio 2:50                                            

2. Solar Vortex-The Terra Surfers 2:50