Surf Instro Review: The Breakaways - Cowa-Bongo

I learned about The Breakaways' album Cowa-Bongo from a good friend and Illusions guitarist, Larry Ellis. Anybody that Larry associates with has to be a class act, so I said send me the CD! 

What a change of pace this CD turned out to be. They play a softer surf because when they perform live, they do it at hospitals for kids, and there are concerns about sound levels.

Instead of drums, they opt for bongos. Bongos always add flair and originality to surf music, giving it an entirely different feel.

They do some cover tunes quite differently. Although I have heard these standards done in many different ways, the style presented on this recording is refreshing.

What really touched my soul was not only the music but also what they are doing with their talents. The liner notes have a paragraph stating, "To provide entertainment for kids/adults who are considered underprivileged, abused, ill, neglected or disabled, at no charge."

Giving to the community is a contagious habit, and the kids might see that there is spirit and goodwill in giving. Isn't that wonderful? It's so good to hear that good things are going on connected to music.

If you can, e-mail Craig Skelly to say hello and support the group's work. Get a copy of the CD or tape to support this wonderful group now!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Karina 

02. Out Of Limits  

03. Baja  

04. Sukiyaki  

05. Diamond Head  

06. Waimea  

07. Pefidia  

08. Surf Rider

09. Ocean View  

10. Telstar  

11. La Nina  

12. Driving Guitars   

13. Walk Don't Run  

14. Wild As The Sea  

15. Apache

Surf Instro Review: The Bradipos IV - Instro Mania!!

Italy's Bradipos IV, another Robert Rugerri project, brings a unique blend of surf instro power to our shores with their album Instro Mania! 

Their sound, distinct from other surf groups, is just as impressive as Cosmonauti's, which I reviewed last month.

Finding a surf group worth its salt in an unsuspecting place like Italy must be a task, although it is becoming more apparent that groups like this are popping up all over the globe. 

The intro throws you off a bit, as it sounds like an eerie beginning for a surf CD.

Once the intro gives way, Bradipos IV's album is a full-throttle, high-energy surf experience. The production quality, a hallmark of Robert Ruggeri's work, is evident. With this album, the surf's up in Italy, and now it's here for you to enjoy the waves from a distant land. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Intro  

02. Mysterion 

03. Tijuana's Stomp  

04. Forbidden Island  

05. Surfin' Sloth  

06. Work Song  

07. Dirty Phonic

08. Barracuda   

09. Brainless Girl  

10. Stompin' Tune  

11. Prisoner In Orbit  

12. Positano  

13. Carmela  

14. Kissin' Bonobo Roll

Surf Instro Review: The Cave 4 in... Bikini Crash

When you look at the titles of the songs on The Cave 4 in...Bikini Crash!, you begin to think that they are typical surf CDs. Words like banzai, malibu, and beaches are used.

One listen, and you feel you have heard two separate groups playing on different CDs! There are your typical twanging, reverb-filled tunes, and then the group surfs off into punk-garage-rock territory. It is, for the most part, great.

A few tunes, primarily the garage tracks, are on the low end of the recording spectrum. The surf tracks are much cleaner for the concerned audiophile. With that exception, it was a perfectly enjoyable listen.

This group has heaps of talent, and it's apparent in their ability to change from one type of music to the next quickly and convincingly. That is what impressed me.

The songs were recorded in the Netherlands, where the group resides, between 1994 and 96. Hopefully, they can record the next CD stateside, and we can hear a more precise and cleaner production. I enjoyed listening to this and believe any surf instro enthusiast would!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

TRACKS

01. Shockwave  

02. Surfin' Cat  

03. Malibu Run 

04. Bonneville Stomp  

05. Blast Off  

06. Tribute Pt.1   

07. Unknown

08. House On Haunted Hill  

09. Alfred E. Goes Surfin'   

10. Slow  

11. Bikini Crash  

12. Let's Go To The Beach

13. Same All Over The World  

14. Cave 4  

15. Banzai Washout
  

Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll Review - Achtung Spitfire Schnell Schnell!!! DEMO 99'

 http://achtung-spitfire.de/

Note: For some reason, I did not note the track titles when I wrote this review; however, I did find a good stream on Bandcamp with Rarities and Demos that is worth checking out, and their website is active!

The group has coined its music as Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll, a unique blend that sets it apart. Hailing from Germany, it has crafted an exceptional demo to captivate prospective record labels.

 

This enhanced CD features six tracks, each a testament to its distinct sound, and includes QuickTime video clips and other surprises for your enjoyment.

 

The group has enormous potential, and I would be shocked and disappointed if they weren't recognized as the spirited and energetic group they are. They rock and roll, bang, twang, and burn the house down on this impressive debut.

 

Considering this is a demo, I was impressed with the sound, professionalism, and all the efforts to make it an actual multimedia experience.

 

The group has a strong following overseas and is very active on the concert circuit. Playing many gigs is the best way to hone your chops and make a name for yourself. ASSS is fired and ready to come to the U.S. and cut a full-length CD.

 

I've recommended the group to my friends at Del-Fi, and there's a chance you'll hear a track from them on Del-Fi's second Surf Monsters release this Fall. I'm eagerly anticipating this and keeping my fingers crossed for them. So, get ready to engage with the group on their website and be part of their journey.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1999

1. Soul Time 04:19

2. Amazing Disgrace 05:24

3. Forrester Of The Rabbits 02:10

4. Rockit Fuel 02:24

5. Target: Dr. Mabuse 03:51

6. Nutshell 02:58

7. Link Tiene Los Huevos Como Sandias De Grande 04:28

8. I Refuse 03:49

9. Follow Me 04:26

Surf Instro Review: Untamed Youth - Untamed Melodies

linktr.ee/untamedyouth

Untamed Melodies by Untamed Youth is a rollicking adventure of 32 tracks, each promising fun in the sun. It's a musical journey that will keep you entertained and in high spirits.

It offers a delightful mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks, each with unique intensity. This CD is a treasure trove of musical diversity within the surf genre. It's a fun group; you wouldn't want to miss out on this musical journey.

This is a great package. I hope you have plenty of time to listen! When was the last time you picked up a single CD with that many tracks on it? Even for a surf album, this is a lot of music. It's a double dose full of reverb and party tunes.

Overall, this is a magnificent effort by one of the best American surf music scene groups today. The album has high-energy tunes that make you want to grab your sandals and surfboard. This music will transport you to the summer and sandy beaches in Alaska or anywhere else. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Some Kinda Fun  

02. You've Got To Understand  

03. Laughin' Linda  

04. Pabst Blue Ribbon

05. Beer Bust Blues  

06. She's So Satisfying  

07. I'm Going Away  

08. Haulin' Honda  

09. Go Go Ferrari

10. Santa's Gonna Shut 'Em Down  

11. Santa's Midnight Run   

12. Little Miss Go Go  

13. The Hearse

14. Hey Elly May  

15. Angel Face  

16. Contentment  

17. California Street  

18. I Live For Cars And Girls

19. Supercharged Steamroller  

20. The Gasser  

21. Overcast  

22. What'll You Have  

23. She Cares

24. Hey Little Girl  

25. Drag Race Tradgedy  

26. Russian Roulette  

27. Adam And Evil

28. Land Beyond The Moon  

29. Kapo  

3O. Sour Grapes  

31. Rollerland  

32. Some Kinda Fun Radio Ad