Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Atomic Drag-Rave from the Grave EP

                                                        Release Date: October 25, 2024

Label: Black Tragick Records/Doom Bat Records

Website

Atomic Drag is run by Lee McDaid, who is a solo musician from Northern Ireland. I reached out to him regarding all his work, and he kindly granted me access to his entire catalog on Bandcamp.

The Rave from the Grave EP came out around Halloween in 2024, and based on the cover art, title, and tracks, it looks as though he hit the mark.

The title track “Rave from the Grave” gets the blood pumping (no pun intended). Right away, there are the melodic, twangy guitar lines, and the bass is heavy and strong. A nice transition is made with some melding guitar lines, then the organ joins in to accentuate the creepiness of the concept we are focusing on here. Things come to a head towards the end, with everything merging.

“Dogman Vs. Dobhar-chú” moves at a frenetic pace with rapid picking, and bass and drums pair up to keep that intensity as Lee takes that pick and goes down the strings from top to bottom for that wow effect. It all happens so fast, but that is the idea; this is a fight between creatures of the unknown.

“Once a Dead Man...” stretches things out for over three minutes. There is more time to establish all his ideas within a single track, and he does so effectively. The atmosphere is one of spookiness and anticipation. The organ gives it that horror edge as he adds some talking to the mix, so you get the feeling you are watching it on the big screen. Excellent track!

“Beyond the Valley of the Drag” maintains the EP’s continuity with nonstop energy. This is yet another fast mover with all the trimmings, rapid picking, punctuated guitar placement, the bottom end moving along just as quickly, and that tremolo guitar work and the creepy organ notes are for the final touch. It’s all there in one potent package.

Atomic Drag’s Rave from the Grave EP is more than just an adventure-packed instrumental; it’s a vivid, cinematic journey that exhibits the power of one artist’s vision. Lee McDaid’s ability to craft such dynamic and immersive tracks on his own is nothing short of remarkable. This EP doesn’t just entertain you from the first note and refuses to let go, leaving a lasting impression long after the final track ends.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 2, 2026

Tracks:

1. Rave from the Grave 02:21

2. Dogman Vs. Dobhar-chú 02:01

3. Once a Dead Man... 03:26

4. Beyond the Valley of the Drag 02:19

Surf Releases March 2026

Surf Music Releases March 2026

Here’s an updated list of the surf instrumental (or closely related psychedelic/instrumental surf) bands with confirmed new music releases in March 2026, now including direct links to their official pages, Bandcamp (for pre-orders/streaming), or relevant release announcements where available:

The Mermen — Psychedelic instrumental surf legends from Santa Cruz, CA. New album Akwa Mmiri releases March 8, 2026 (CD pre-order and release show at Great American Music Hall in SF). Official website (with pre-order and details): PRE SAMPLE LISTEN HERE: https://mermen.net/albums/akwa-mmiri 

Main site: https://mermen.net/

The KBK (listen on the Bandcamp Player) — Instrumental rock & roll/surf project is releasing Human Sounds Volume 2 on March 6, 2026 (long-gestating transmission, featured on Storm Surge of Reverb radio). Bandcamp (for listening/pre-order): https://thekbk.bandcamp.com Facebook page (with announcements): https://www.facebook.com/thekbkal

Surf Through Death (listen on the Bandcamp Player) — Desert-tinged instrumental surf/psych trio from Phoenix, AZ. Album III digital release February 27, 2026, but vinyl/release show March 7, 2026 (at The Dirty Drummer). Pre-orders tie into March events. Bandcamp (pre-order digital/vinyl): https://surfthroughdeath.bandcamp.com/album/iii

Event details: https://www.thedirtydrummer.com/events/surf-through-death-vinyl-release

Surf Spy Rock Instrumental: Music For Alternate Realities: Vol. 1 by The Other Timelines

Just released today. This is very cool music! 

The Other Timelines is a Canadian/American instrumental band. Members are located in British Columbia, Alabama, and Louisiana. Featuring members of Man or Astro-man? and Seratones, their music is best described as a blend of 60’s and ’70s-style spy themes. They are signed to Double Crown Records.

The vinyl 7" is available on Tabu Recordings

Visit https://www.theothertimelines.com/

Surf Tiki Monster Hot Rod Video and Picture

I thought this was a good combination of surf and monster hot rod illustrations! Picture and video included.

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Raygun Terror Hermits-Attack Of The Raygun Terror Hermits

Release Date: February 6, 2026

Label: Sharawaji Records

Website

How does a group of musicians come up with a name like The Raygun Terror Hermits? Well, they take two bands, The Terrorsurfs and My Dusty Raygun, and merge them. Of course, you knew that, right? If you’re a diehard surf instro fan, you probably got it straight away. If not, well, sit back and have a listen—then you might understand.

The Raygun Terror Hermits’ “Helldiver” explodes out of your speakers, and you know this band has arrived! The lead guitar speaks loudly with surf tones and stinging notes that linger. The drums and bass rumble along at tremendous speed. This is a powerful track with all the elements of surf and rock one could possibly ask for. Five minutes and eleven seconds of high-octane, rockin’ surf instro is a great way to kickstart this recording.

“The Terrorsurfs - Hoo Hah! (The Unresolved)” jumps as the bands take off on their own. This is a solid transition away from the previous track. The bottom end continues to roll on like a train ready to fly right off the tracks. The guitars do their thing with plenty of twang and reverb as they holler “Hoo-Hah!” In your mind, you are picturing an old TV series like Wagon Train or The Wild Wild West to begin. The fun thing about this music is its ability to transport you back in time, and this one certainly does!

“My Dusty Raygun - He Just Wanted His Machete Back” brings another entirely different slant to your ears. First off, you must love the title. Then, as the music kicks in, you are still impressed by that cranking bottom end—man, they just rock! The guitar’s sound has quite the machine to ride on as lick after lick is peeled off. This one feels like a straight-ahead rocker with a track title to match. There was no question in my mind that these bands could rock—it just sounds better with a little roughness around the edges for some flavor.

“The Surf Hermits - Dance Of The Tentacle” at the beginning reminded me of some early Mermen cuts, with echoing guitars and a certain psych edge. The guitar effects are more restrained compared to the previous tracks. That is not a drawback; it is a great track!

“My Dusty Raygun - $400 In Oysters” comes back at you on fire again. This raygun is not dusty! Some really cool six-string licks come into play before they launch into a full-force rocker, then pull back into the surfy mode, and then return to rocking. It’s rinsing and repeating, with a lot of salt water to keep those oysters moist.

“The Terrorsurfs - Swamp Planet” charges into some surf-spy intrigue. Then the sounds get weird with some organ effects—now it feels like The Creature from the Black Lagoon is going to come creeping out of the water any second. It’s atmospheric and spooky, with well-placed guitar transitions as the backend serves as the engine pushing it to a climax.

“The Surf Hermits - The Sten Is Mightier Than The Sword” winds things up with a last blast of energy and guitar-driven excellence. The wah-wah pedal does its thing with great effect. This ends up being one of my favorites, with crisp leads cutting through the air. It’s a quick but impressive last journey to show off their ability to crank up the volume with workmanlike skill.

Listeners who like a mix of surf, rock, and psych will really enjoy these tracks. Attack Of The Raygun Terror Hermits is a great listen, and the use of the word “attack” comes through loud and clear in the music.

The Terrorsurfs:

BAMALAM - feral bass

Reverend Tonto - twang

King Fuzzo - drum beast

 

My Dusty Raygun :

Frank Rangone - guitar

Devon Lambert - bass

Jared Brathwaite - synth

Jason Deathray - drums

Rodd Raygun - theremin

 

The Surf Hermits:

Jason Deatherage - Drums, Bass, Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Cover Art - Joe Yod, Rude Commissions

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 27, 2026

Tracks:

1. The Raygun Terror Hermits-Helldiver 5:11

2. The Terrorsurfs - Hoo Hah! (The Unresolved) 2:21

3. My Dusty Raygun - He Just Wanted His Machete Back 3:43

4. The Surf Hermits - Dance Of The Tentacle 3:29

5. My Dusty Raygun - $400 In Oysters 2:25

6. The Terrorsurfs - Swamp Planet 3:57

7. The Surf Hermits - The Sten Is Mightier Than The Sword 2:46