Well developed arrangements in adventurous and original territory.
author: Phil Dirt
Big Surf - Hang Eleven
Label: CD
This is a very refreshing release. Well developed arrangements in adventurous and original territory. "Dune Dance" rules!
Picks: 'High Spy', 'Club Cabana', 'Big Ska', 'Gypsy Cove', 'Dune Dance', 'Reflection'
Rev Up
"Rev Up" is a gutty riff rocker with a circular progression and stomp beat. On the dark side, yet playful in a party kinda way.
High Spy
Lovely opening chords set a haunting stage for a quirky melody line that's warm and playful. "High Spy" dances on your imagination is a tweaky kind of way, maybe a little like "The Munsters" if Henry Mancini had developed it.
Club Cabana
"Club Cabana" is a softly exotic and mysterious song with a sinewy melody and bongos. This track grows on you as it evolve, hooking into your soul. Very cool!
Joystick
Big fuzzy grumbling and video game spy themes run through "Joystick" in tribute to the device adapted from sixties hydraulic control, as used in Ed Roth's Beatnik Bandit in lieu of steering, accelerator and brake.
Gila Gulch
With an opening reminiscent of spaghetti westerns, "Gila Gulch" moves moodily into scenic territory, where fatalistic sadness reigns. It's very visual for sure.
New Shoes
Jazzy and kind of Polynesian touristy, with lap steel and a sense of mystery on Big Island. "New Shoes" slithers and meanders through lighthearted adventure where tomorrow is just another version of today.
Big Ska
"Big Ska" is a mighty fun blend of surf and ska in an inevitably playful setting. It's hard to avoid a grin while this plays. Pure fun.
Luigi's Lament
"Luigi's Lament" is a softly Italian sidewalk cafe number with a sunset feeling and a sense of European romance. Perfect for a backdrop to your vacation.
Gypsy Cove
A highly infectious rhythm track, a sparkling melody line, and a fine sense of chemistry spread the joy of "Gypsy Cove" mercilessly. What starts out to be just fun, quickly invades and takes command of you brain. Mediterranean, Klezmer, spy, surf, and great fun!
Dune Dance
"Dune Dance" is a splendid track with many moods and amazing exotic imagery. The Middle east comes alive, and the infectious drums and bass rule! This is totally cool - more than that - it is superb!
Reflection
"Reflection" is a wonderfully soothing track that shimmers and haunts, yet is not at all a backdrop. Heavy in a fluid way, and very engaging.
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Hang Eleven! Hang on to your board!
author: R. Davey
This total surf instrumental cd has a different beat. Your attention is grabbed right from track 1, "Rev Up!". From then on every song has a surf edge to it, but it's surf-jazz, surf-spy, surf-country. The very cool surf-jazz tune "Club Cabana" is way cool. A recommended surf instro cd for anyone who's into surf.
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Reverberiffic!
author: Neal
A second outstanding release from Big Surf. Phil Belknap offers up a wide variety of original compositions ranging from traditional adrenalin-rush surf to bluesy ballads to middle eastern speed metal to near-electronica game music to western swing to "flamenco musette". Never a dull moment! Highly recommended! One of the most varied and entertaining surf releases you'll hear!
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