So it's May and my attempt to finish the Gremmys earlier each year is clearly going in the opposite direction despite this being the easiet category. I barely have to do anything! I simply call upon some friends in the surf world and see what they think of this year's crop of surf music so that they may either validate my opinions or alleviate the guilt I feel from omitting certain releases. I'd like to point out that the blame for the tardiness lies on me, and that a few of these were submitted 1-3 months ago.
I always give my guests free reign over how they want to do their Guest Gremmy - they don't have to follow any facet of my ridiculous system. I only do a little formatting here and there just for presentation's sake, and from here on out, anything that isn't in italics is in their words. I want to thank them all for participating, and getting the email with their results is always so fun for me. Anyway, let's get into it!
Sean Berry (Double Crown Records/The Continental)
Here are my top 5 releases of 2024, listed alphabetically - you can remove the star ratings if you'd like since they're all 5-stars. (I liked this comment so I didn't -Hunter)
Picking the top surf/instro releases of 2024 is hard, as it really was a stellar year with lots of worthy discs from all over the world. However, I think the five albums listed below are absolute winners, and were definitely among the releases I played the most in 2024.
The Boss Martians - Venus & The Western Sky Vinyl 12” EP / CD-EP (MuSick / No-Count) * * * * *
What an incredible time it is to be a surf music fan, with recent releases by Satan’s Pilgrims, The Bomboras, The Nebulas and other legendary bands. Now you can add to that list Seattle’s very own BOSS MARTIANS! This 6-song EP, available on 12” vinyl and CD, represents their first surf/instrumental release since 2001’s Move! LP. The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning cover art, expertly done by Scott Sugiuchi - when I first saw it I was intrigued, as it includes a style of imagery not seen in earlier releases by the band. However, now that I have my hands on the actual release, and have listened to the music many times (including several of the songs at a July show in Seattle) I can definitely say the cover art is the perfect accompaniment to the music. The band returns to surf with a bold, mostly aggressive sound that channels the twang, tone and rawness of Dick Dale on several tunes, but with a definitely spaghetti western vibe as well. The influence of Dick Dale is probably most obvious on “The Hanged Man”, but unlike many DD recordings, this sounds like a band effort. Surf, Evan Foster’s guitar is up front leading the way, but this truly feels like the contributions of the bass, drums and horns are equally prominent. Speaking of horns, that is another thing that sets these new recordings apart from their earlier stuff. Previously Nick Contento played organ in the band, which gave the songs depth and a melodic counter to Evan Foster’s guitar work. With the current line-up of the band, it’s sax player Bryan Manzo that brings a new sound and energy that gives the songs a sound that nicely bridges the early 60’s surf sound with a modern rawness and power. Bassist Erik Foster brings a punkier edge to the band, and drummer Nick Schultz is as solid as you can get. Of course, the big reason the band has so many fans all over the globe is down to the amazing, talented fingers of Evan Foster, and his work on this album is definitely among the best he’s ever done - it’s a true showcase of his mastery of the surf guitar. This is a welcome return to the surf sound of the Boss Martians, and hopefully it’s just the start of more recordings from the band in the near future! (www.nocountrecords.com / musickrecordings.bandcamp.com)
The Hamiltones - In Space LP (Big Neck / Swimming Faith) * * * * *
This album hits me in all the right places - it mixes surf, European instro, and cool electronic/vintage synth sounds, all wrapped in Joe Meek style production. Keeping with the Joe Meek sound, they’ve used theremin, obscure synths, strings and wordless vocals throughout. For a modern comparison, I’d say they’re probably in the same category as Les Robots, but more guitar based. There are a few tunes that are as raw, and rock as hard as some vintage Apemen recordings as well. It’s a cool package - vinyl only, slipped into a cool album cover that you can imagine in a 1960’s record shop. This is a band that I honestly haven’t heard of before now, but they have delivered an album that I’ve listened to more than any other album reviewed this issue. It’s just so impressive to see a new band put the time, effort and imagination into a recording of this scale. I would absolutely LOVE to see if they can pull of performing these songs live! It comes with a bonus 7”, which I wasn’t able to review, but it’s an EP by the Moon People that I have to assume are an alter-ego of the Hamiltones. If that wasn’t enough, there's a 6 page booklet that covers the story behind the album. (www.swimmingfaithrecords.com)
Jet Jaguars - Milano Nera Digital EP (Surf Cookie) * * * * *
Now this hits the spot! Well, written, performed and produced surf n’ spy style tunes filled with melodies and atmospheres from all over the globe. This Italian combo might be relatively new, but wow, they have an amazing sound that puts them in the upper echelon of bands active today. Hailing from Milan, Italy, they have a sound that blends some of the great stuff from the 90’s thru today like The Bomboras, Fifty Foot Combo and Satan’s Pilgrims, but with a strong influence of the early 60’s surf bands as well.
Six of the songs are originals that are well-crafted and beg to be played on repeat, while a seventh song called “Graveyard” is a cover of an obscure tune by The Blazers originally released in 1963. When we went to press this EP was only available by digital download from the band’s Bandcamp page, as well as streaming, but Surf Cookie will be releasing it on CD (combined with their first digital EP, Death Chase, in 2025. (jetjaguars.bandcamp.com)
The Surfers - Surf Party! CD (Surf Cookie) * * * * *
This new combo from Gdańsk, Poland is led by Igor Jeziak on lead guitar and occasional vocals. If you love The Astronauts and The Trashmen, then this a band you will DEFINITELY want to check out. It has that thick, drippy, chuggy reverb sound from start to finish - you won't find another band active today that has such a sound that's rooted in the classic early 60's sound. If you are a traditional surf fan this album is a MUST HAVE! If I have a slight knock against the record it’s with the vocals - the lyrics are fun and appropriate for traditional surf, but while the songs are sung in English they’re with a thick accent and the singer is solid, but not amazing. However, when they’re backed by such amazing songs and sounds it’s easy to overlook. So while it kicks off with “Lizard Tail”, which is a great song with just okay singing, it’s followed by “Catch The Wave” which has great, occasional vocals. Then after that you get an off-the-charts, absolutely brilliant surf instrumental called “Distance” that has the Astronauts / Lively Ones sound dialed in to perfection. The Surfers, along with The Babalooneys, are keeping the traditional sound alive - in my mind they’re two albums are absolute must-haves! (surfcookierecords.bandcamp.com)
The Surfrajettes - Easy As Pie LP / CD (Hi-Tide) * * * * *
As one of the biggest surf/instro bands at the moment, there was a lot of pressure for The Surfrajettes to deliver with this, their second album. Their debut album, and early singles were fun and enjoyable, but the songs lacked sophistication and depth - most of the songs were simply fun surf songs. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but few would likely say that their early material would stand the test of time as “surf classics”. That all changes with this album - this is an amazingly well constructed, performed and recorded album that still has that infectious “fun vibe” going, but the songs are just so good! The title track kicks it off with a cool “Telstar” influence - I swear after hearing it for the first time I simply couldn’t get it out of my head. It’s driving, frenetic, cool and catchy! Next is “Toasted Western” which is a chugging, twangy, cinematic spaghetti-western tune that also achieves “classic” status. Next comes “Clam Chowder” - how could a song called “Clam Chowder” be an amazing surf song that finds a home in thousands of surf fans music collections? Well, it was originally written and recorded by famed Canadian band The Sadies, but I don’t think it got the recognition it deserved back when they released it - it’s simply a great tune! That leads into another cover, “Spice Up Your Life”, which will surely appeal to all you closet Spice Girls fans out there - I know you’re out there! The rest of the disc pretty much maintains that level of quality - you get surf instrumentals, a Santo & Johnny inspired ballad, and two more covers (“Hot Doggin’” and “Sugar Town”). Even the cover art is outstanding - the craft they have put into their image and marketing has always been impressive, but this is their best effort yet. Combined with the strong music contained on the disc, this is surely one of the top three album releases of 2024! (www.hitiderecordings.com)
Dorthy Treasure aka DJ Dotty (Paradise Cove Podcast)
Every year, I try to thin out my music collection because, well, HOW MANY copies of the same album in different variations can you own? The answer is; enough to make a normal music listener gasp and give you alarmed stares. I managed to thin my collection out considerably in 2024 and they still gasped and looked shocked. You can't please everyone.
Then, new music comes along and ruins my good intentions of further streamlining. The physical pleasure of slipping a new record out of its sleeve to play it on a waiting, spinning turntable, or a CD unto a player, far outweighs the desire to pare down more. All is well with the world once the music begins, the greatest joy begins. I'm in someone else's created auditory landscape. Rolling in the reverb, trampling thru the tone. Heck, digital releases take me to the same realm. I'm just old and still like to hoard physical music like a squirrel with nuts. Hmm...I hoard digital releases as well. There's no hope for me (My partner says the same thing when he sees my plastic totes full of band t-shirts, on his side of the closet. I'm sorry sweetheart.).
2024 brought some great gem to our ears, but the instrumental releases that would most likely crush me if I had a record avalanche, due to constant play and proximity are below. I've made no distinction between length. They are all great and if you haven't heard them or picked them up yet, do so, now.
Las Animas - Cult of The Black Wave (EP)
Horror surf just the way I like it. Dark fast, melodic, ominous, spooky AF. I need more from them.
Boss Martians - Venus and The Western Sky (EP)
Year's of waiting (praying) for a new Martians release and OH, do they NOT disappoint with their 6-song EP! It's hard at times to capture a bands' skilled ferocity and range of sound, but they definitely did, in these six top notch cuts. Just as exuberant and rich as they are live. Every song is brilliant. I can't live without this album now that it's here.
The Nebulas - Euphorion (LP)
The Nebulas take you places yet unseen by your minds eye. Driven, melodious, and expansive, its a high-speed trek thru the universe in a wormhole. At the end of the track, "Friccion" you hear a "band member "woop!", in the background. Darn right, "Woop!".It's an epic song, worthy of a Pharaohs procession. Null Set is a three part journey unto it's own. Listen and experience it yourself.
The Meteoroids - S/T (LP)
One of the first releases of 2024. The moment I heard it, I knew we were in for a GREAT year! Formidable riffs, punctuating drums, This is the album that you want to play when you have a room full of people ready to party or, well, anytime really.
I.Jeziak And The Surfers - On The Beach (LP)
If you are a trad lover, this one's for you.These gents get to down to the delectable core of subtlety and reverb. This album could have come out in the 60's. They get it, they just get the sound. They had more than one release in 2024, I suggest you pick them all up.
DJ Dotty
Mark Malibu (Mark Malibu & The Wasagas)
I guess all the surf bands are out playing live again,… so there was less LPs this year … but lots of EPs and singles to keep our surfy ears fresh. Part of my process for making this “Best Of” list is to sample everything possible off the Storm Surge release list, plus other releases I’ve found along the way.
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Best Traditional Surf LP
Late to the Party! by The Babalooneys
Way back in the 60’s, the province of Québec released the MOST and the BEST guitar instrumentals from Canada. Nothing has changed it seems. This LP is perfect Traditional Surf & Hotrod from start to finish. Twelve songs, mostly original with a cleaned up version of “Wide-Track Weekend” which is my favourite of all their tunes.
Equally AWESOME runners up would be the super surfy The Pineapple Parade by Sant Anna Bay Coconuts, Poland’s hot new sensation, Surf Party! By the Surfers, and the vintage rock’n roll Surfin' Hayride by Chris Casello
Best Modern Surf LP
Showstopper by Langhorns
It’s been over 20 years since we had a new LP from this FANTASTIC Swedish combo. It was worth the wait. Sophisticated writing and arrangements, pushing the limits where they want. My personal favs are the moody “The Snoozer” and “The Sweet Farewell”
Runner up would be The Sentinel by Desert Undertones.
Best "Rad" Surf Record
REVERB IN BLOOD by Terreur Twist
Another solid release from this French Surf Metal group who are on my list of bands to see live one day. The title track would definitely go over well with my death metal friends. They might bang their heads right off to “Salade décomposée”. My fav track, “Wendigo”
Also check out The Curse Of The Currie Brothers by The Currie Brothers.
Best Horror Instrumental
Operation Roswell by the del roswells
A great sense of Sci-Fi style from these UK surfers. The song “UFO GO!” could easily be a cool new theme song for a Gerry Anderson TV series. Trad surf fans will love “UTTINI! UTTINI!” and “Skinwalkers stole my cow”??
Best EPs
There were more EPs and singles this year than usual so I picked my 4 favourites. It would have been easier to pick 10 as there were so many great ones…. But here we go in no particular order….
Bergen Beat i skuddet by Perry Dear & The Deerstalkers
This Beat group out of Oslo, Norway are FANTASTIC! Their 2020 LP “Six-String Holiday” was supreme with heaps of Baritone guitar action…. And it continues onto this very Euro sounding single that everyone NEEDS!~
Leyendas del Mar by Dr. Tritón
Seven songs, all perfect in their own way from this excellent Mexican surf combo. “Costa Ventura” is everything a surf song should be. My fav track, “Miramar”.
Venus & The Western Sky by The Boss Martians
Six NEW tasty songs from this band in 16 years,… of which the title track, “Venus & The Western Sky” is my FAV! Check out the brilliant playing on “The Sender”, a sizzling track !!!
Mantra by Trabants
Holy surf, garage, psychedelics Batman!! If you love Psych and fuzz guitar go buy this single right away. I need to see this band live one day.
Also check out EPs from The Ghosttones, The Lake Devils, the Slimetones, The Rhino Chasers and Humanga Danga.
Best Cover Surf song
Ringo's Theme by by The Minarets
A great cover of this Beatles song from “A Hard Day’s Night”. Vintage feel with Acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Who didn’t feel for poor Ringo as he ran away from the Fab Four when he felt unwanted.
Best Christmas Surf song
The Burial Quartet - Merry Christmas (I don't want to fight tonight)
A brilliant reimagining of the Ramones classic from this band out of Malmö, Sweden. Hey Ho, Let’s SNOW!
Best Compilation
Surfin' Burt's Surfin' Safari 2
Eighteen top tracks, all cleaned up and on one LP. Both sides start with lesser known Astronauts tracks (if you are new to the genre) plus rare regional rockers from Hawaii’s Telstars,.. Ohio’s Outlaws,... Indiana’s Rimfires plus German rocker, Paul Würges. Buying these OG records would set you back thousands so get them all on one LP !
Best Album Cover Art
Doubleshot: series by The Other Timelines
Three excellent singles from this cross-border combo dressed up by an excellent series of covers by the super talented Scott Sugiuchi … whom also does the artwork for Continental Magazine for bass player/magazine editor, Sean Berry. FAB art, FAB music !!!
Best Surf Music Video
Green Reflectors - Get Set
They’ve done it again! The Green Reflectors come up with the best surf video of the year. This time we watch brothers, Kyle and Aaron race and beat every 10 year old at the Saltbox Soapbox Race in Mahone Bay.
Matthew Clark (Colorado Instrumental Fanzine)
Having written a surf/instrumental fanzine for over a year has given me good insight into the scene. Ever since the 2023 Gremmy Awards were revealed, I have been paying close attention to what would be some of the stand-out releases of 2024. As I perused Hunter’s near-exhaustive list of releases from 2024, I felt I had a good grasp of the majority of them to confidently opine.
The Amazing Album of 2024
The Meteoroids – The Meteoroids (Otitis Media)
My first experience with The Meteoroids was at the 2024 Winter Fest in Long Beach. I was captivated. While at the festival, I picked up the three 7” records they had, so I was anticipating the release of the LP. It did not disappoint. In fact, after a few listening experiences, I began to ponder that this might be a contender for ‘album of the year.’
From start to finish, this record shows master craftsmen honing their art in the fires of dedication. Each song is unique, yet you know you are listening to The Meteoroids. There is an energy to their music and style that sets them apart. The production, provided by Jarrod Keith of The Volcanics, is top-notch. The artwork, created by drummer Dave Irish, is breathtaking. It’s even more compelling knowing that it was drawn in AutoCAD, a drafting software, not an art program.
It’s rare to find an album where most of the tracks are solid. It’s a gem to find an album where each track rips!
This year’s runner-up is The Nebulas' Euphorion LP. The Nebs are ferocious, and their intensity is unmatched! This record made numerous revolutions on my turntable. In a close race, the one element that set The Meteoroids apart was the variation between each track.
Superlative Southwestern Surf of 2024
Desert Undertones – The Sentinel (Self-Released)
I first learned of Desert Undertones on Hunter’s blog when Mark Malibu of The Wasagas shared his appreciation of their first CD, Paniolo. Next, I saw the band’s interview on Pi Records and decided it was time to pay attention. I’m glad that I did. Through the fanzine, we co-released their first EP, Massacre Canyon. It was and is an incredible record that sounds even better on wax. Not content to offer their fans a 7”, they promptly self-released their first LP, The Sentinel, on vinyl and CD. Now, of course, I’m biased, but I’m biased in the right way. When music is good, good, and sharing it is the natural result of that affection.
The Sentinel is ‘superlative southwestern surf’ because of the skill behind the songwriting, the catchy melodies, the interplay between band members, the production, and the artwork. They are continuing the tradition and building upon the legacy begun by King Pelican. While you are likely familiar with the term “Spaghetti Western,” this is southwestern surf. A spaghetti western tune is a nod to Ennio Morricone and Sergio Leone, and Southwestern surf is music made by someone whose abode is the desert, and that vibe is translated into their music.
During our interview, bassist Christopher Marshall expressed that his legacy would be, “For us to be a part of the canon of great surf music; to be recognized as a name, decades from now, as people who contributed to surf music in the 2020s.” This band is well on their way to leaving that legacy.
(Hunter's note: Guest Gremmy to Pi Records to being the first release on Matthew's label. Community in action!)
Outstanding Outlier AKA Wonderfully WFT?!
Party Nerves – Go Broke or Go Home / Put a Load On, Come Back Mangled (Self-Released)
Sometimes you hear something that defies a genre. When you hear the music, you know you like it, even if you can describe what you are hearing in familiar terms. It’s not really ‘this.’ It’s not really ‘that.’ Party Nerves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is such a band. This 12” platter contains two previously released EPs appearing for the first time on vinyl.
The Go Broke EP is a wild and energetic ride through various dimensions. A variety of influences are at play, and although eclectic, they blend nicely. The music is bass-forward. The interplay between the bass and guitar is entertaining, but the bass guitar is the lead on many occasions. It is reminiscent of Eric Wood’s bass playing in P\H/C, Neanderthal, and MITB.
My initial adventure with Party Nerves was in the digital realm. In that world, the Put a Load On EP was ‘just OK.’ Not until the vinyl arrived did the tunes take on a new life. This material is slightly older than what appears on the A-Side, and you can hear and feel the difference. The bass guitar is still prominent, but the music has a lighter sense. That being said, it remains full of passion and vigor with an abundance of aural activity to occupy your senses.
Not all good instrumental music rides the “surf” wave. Not all good instrumental music is for everyone. Intrepid explorers apply within.
Exciting EPs
A handful of excellent EPs from 2024 that I’ve written about elsewhere are:
- The Boss Martians - Venus & The Western Sky (MuSick Recordings)
- The Rumtones (Self-Released)
- Satan’s Pilgrims - Peregrinaje Instromundial (Ghost Highway)
- Trabants – Mantra (Hypnotic Bridge)
All of these will make fine additions to your musical library.
Conclusion
The first five months of 2025 have provided us with some fantastic tunes. I know some of what’s in store for the remainder of the year, and I’m stoked to hear what else is being prepared for the die-hard fans! It’s only getting better, my friends!
Chad and Cherry (Chad & Cherry's Surf Music Reviews)
As they have in the past few years, this is in video form!
Thanks again to everybody. That's it for the Gremmys. Finally! Only 7 months until the next ones!
