Surf is usually pretty analog, even in one-man home studio incarnations, so it's always a little strange to hear projects like this. While most tracks still have recognizable reverbed surf guitar, just about everything else is unabashed drum machine, electric keyboard, and synthesized sounds. And it's pretty fun! Definitely has a bedroom project feel, but still has a surf pace and surf song structures.
Blog Stuff
bang! mustang! - teahupoo stomp (the big twang theory)
c&c surf factory - takeshiesque (garage city)
Langhorns - in your fez (mission exotica)
the trabants - white fire (FREAKOUT)
link wray and the wraymen - the sweeper - 45
the breakers - jet stream (strummin mental volume four)
bo diddley - old smokey (bo diddley beach party)
freddie king - king-a-ling - 45
sandy nelson - Boot-leg (drums a go-go)
the astronauts - el aguila (the eel) (competition couope)
eddie angel - Rampage (7")
I was a fan of The Twang-o-Matics' Fretboard Mojo but they really let loose on their new LP Rock Havoc! The cover alone suggests a collision of surf sounds and spaghetti western, but there's also moments of the jungle, arab-esque themes, and it's hard to not think rockabilly with that stand-up bass sound. It's meaner, faster, angrier, and packs a bigger punch. Some of this might be from the stellar production (maybe they got some tips from their countrymen Los Plantronics?).
Henchmen have it tough, so I appreciate that they found the time and space in their employer's lair to form a band and let off some steam. They've got a pretty dark twang going throughout that sets up a big vibe of mystery and evil. I mean I'm really buying this as a henchman sound, right down to the feeling of oppression - "Nikola Tesla Theme" even starts out with a bit of a march. The winner of the bunch to me is "Worthy Adversary" with its harsh buzzing and forboding trumpet buildup. Worth checking out if you're into the spy sound!
Perhaps you can tell by the name, but Men from S.P.E.C.T.R.E are pointed in a global syndicate of evil direction than rather than southern California. If you didn't figure that out, then you need to watch Goldfinger. But what I really mean by that is you can expect plenty of organ with your guitars, and a swanky mod beat. Not so much John Barry, closest cousin I can think of is Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited. It's a sound I'd like to hear more of, and they pull it off according to plan. SPECTRE wins this time.
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STORM SURGE OF REVERB
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