Album Notes

"'Release the Mosquitos!' is arguably one of the greatest surf rock albums ever recorded, . . ."


Looking to renowned combos like The Astronauts and The Ventures for ideas, Atomic Mosquitos are gentlemen and scholars of purist instrumental surf rock. Their new album, "Release The Mosquitos!," is dressed to the nines with striking execution fated to leave you spinning and grinning with glee. Notes that twinkle with emotion, topped by more hooks than you'll find clogging a clothes horse's closet are all but a quick mention of the tantalizing tidbits you'll experience on this dynamic disc.

Bending and curving with riffs that are deep and thick, "Dead Sea Scroll" is one ravishing piece of musical mastery. Sprinkled with the creepy sound of a theremin, "Planet from Outer Space" is imaginative and inventive. An uncharacteristically chirpy cover of Elvis Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight" pops with playfulness, "Slaughter Beach" wiggles and swaggers with clever kicks and creases, and "Dreamsicle" involves the head-bobbing throb of bongos.

Spilling over with energy and enthusiasm, "Release the Mosquitos!" is contagiously hummable. The band is edgy, but always in control of its destiny. And the production is crisp and crackling. "Release the Mosquitos!" is arguably one of the greatest surf rock albums ever recorded, and you can bet that thirty years from now people will still be talking about Atomic Mosquitos and their tasty instrumental work.

Beverly Paterson - The Lance Monthly