1960's surf music was special. There's a ceratin magic to it that's almost impossible to replicate, but many try. While the groups in this category aren't graded by how closely they capture the 60's sound, they at least succeeded to the extent that they convinced me that they're trying to.
While this category isn't exactly flooded, that's not to say this was a weak year. What's especially noteworthy is that every release in this category is a debut LP (even if certain ones aren't exactly new groups). There have been years when I felt like I was "borrowing" things from the Modern category to fill out the traditional surf category, but this year everything you'll hear feels pretty deserved to me.
Honorable Mentions
The Surfers - Surf Party
The Surfers are the best surf group out of Poland... basically by default. But they're a great band by a global measure too. They've got a fantastic, super-drippy guitar tone -- instrumentation is on point, but it's the attitude that really stands out, super lighthearted and fun without being too goody-goody. There's a mix of instrumentals and vocals, but the vocals are sparse enough that most of these songs are still enjoyed as surf songs, and their Polish accent gives it a little extra charm.
I try to choose one album if a band does multiple in one year but there's no reason not to also grab the other one they released for free, On the Beach.
High Tides - Paperback Romance
I know absolutely nothing about this record. The bandcamp page even lists a bunch of question marks for their location. The Japanese text basically says nothing of value. But it's really great, with a heavy Ventures influence and some moments that are really leaning towards eleki. The guitar is great, often using tones that are interesting while still sounding vintage, but it's the drumming (perhaps the part most influenced by The Ventures) that really gets you going, not to mention a few miscellaneous touches that boost it up as well. There are multiple songs that I found myself whistling throughout the day. They did such a good job that I'm a little worried that the fake vinyl noise is not fake, and this is just a rip of an actual vintage record snuck onto bandcamp. If it is, I'll buy that record.
Impressions - Lost Legends of Surf Guitar Featuring The Impressions
So many bands strive for that authentic, teenage-hormone-charged, 1960's surf sound, but The Impressions have cracked the code: record it in the 1960's when you're a teenager. These unreleased bedroom tapes that Sundazed have brought to light are the only recordings this band ever made, and the results is much more enjoyable than just as an archival curiosity. These guys had chops, and played with an intensity and sincere simplicity that feels hard to replicate today. While there are only a few originals, they make songs like "Sen-Say-Shun" their own. If you have a decent vintage surf LP collection, I think you'll agree that most show flashes of greatness rather than consistency, and even with a few covers of well-trodden hits, I'd say this album that never was beats out plenty of vintage cash-ins. Kudos to Sundazed for reminding us that the well is never dry.
The Hydronauts - Interstellar Clambake
Interstellar Clambake is an understated record, nearly devoid of grit and aggression, but it has an almost hypnotic quality to it. It feels intimate, maybe even taboo, a secret experience between those worthy to experience it. Along the way they'll see strange sights like in "Space Oasis", but also remember great times like in "Bonfire on the Dunes". The Hydronauts don't need to be bold to be felt.
And the Gremmy Goes To...
The Babalooneys - Late to the Party
Upon my first spin back in May, I knew this was the one. Of course, I was open to hearing something better -- I love things that are better than the best! But The Babalooneys don't give much wiggle room.
Let's talk turkey before the seasoning: these are some great melodies. They're written convincingly in traditional surf style and they're rich with feeling. When they want you to hold on tight, you're gripping, when they want you to relax, you're soaking in rays, and I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be doing in "Kyatti" but damn if I don't feel compelled to do it! There are several brainworms on here, but the few that aren't as sticky to brain matter are treats when they come through the speakers.
Somewhat paradoxically, nobody plays their instruments in a particularly attention-getting manner, and yet each of them is so key. Sometimes you have to listen hard for the rhythm guitar, but sometimes when it doubles lead it can sound absolutely amazing, and that almost ambient drip during other parts is a treat for surf nerds. That burly bass hum provides such effective tenacity, particularly during the more aggressive surf numbers. Drums are the glue that keep this listenable three times back-to-back. But of course, I'm saving up for the perfect saxophone, which is great when it takes center stage, but also manages to blend when the guitar's up.
And as much as it can be tempting for a trad surf band to try to sound like a 45, I am so glad that they went hi-fi as hell here. The reverbed sound they build in this feels like it surrounds you, showers you even on "Tomatillo", but it's always so crisp and fresh, never murky. It's ideal.
It's all ideal, really. "Late to the Party" is pretty close to exactly what I want from a traditional surf record with nothing left over. They get it, they can reproduce it, and they can do it in a way that makes you appreciate the songs more than the craft, even when the craft is immaculate. This is not just the best traditional surf record of the year, I think this is one of those ones you only get every few years. Maybe until their next one. But in the meantime, here's a .png file.
