LINER NOTES:
Entomology Etymology
The History of the Insect Surfers
by Ferenc Dobronyi
Secretary, NorCal Chapter Insect Surfers Fan Club
October 2004
Legend has it that while David Arnson was studying for a high school biology test, he drew a cartoon of a bug on a long board riding a big wave. He thought that the picture summed up what he wanted to do with a band, a surf sound with an insecty buzz to it. In the Spring of 1979, the Insect Surfers were born in Bethesda, Maryland. They called their take on new wave music "Techno-Surf", as they used a synth/farfisa combo and had a science-fiction bent to many of their lyrics. ("Dorsal Fin" is typical of the early Insects sound.)
The Insects found success immediately and shared stages with the best bands of the growing Washington D.C. punk and new wave scene. They released a couple singles, an EP, and then an LP on William Asp's WASP Records and toured the U.S.A. extensively in the early 1980s before breaking up in '84 when Arnson decided to move west. The early days of the Insects have become somewhat of a footnote to the long career that would follow, but it's important to know that their early days are still revered among D.C. area music fans. This compilation, Satellite Beach, largely focuses on what came after their metamorphoses.
Arriving in Los Angeles in 1986, Arnson quickly pulled together a new Insect Surfers crew, finding a kindred spirit in native angeleno Danny Sullivan. Danny had played everything from Beatles to Black Sabbath and Dave found him well suited to the trade-off guitar lines that would become the tattoo of the new Insect's sound: Two guitarists equally matched in tone and ability, each playing rhythm, lead, harmony, counterpoint, dual and dueling lines.
With their reformation in L.A., the Insect's set underwent a huge transformation as they dropped almost all of the vocals to focus on the instrumentals (track 11, "Bouzouki" is one song that made the cross-coastal move). David describes his attraction to instro— "It's a soundtrack for the mind. It's a way to express a lyric without words. It's beyond speech." And, indeed, the Insects Surfer's performances often leave listeners speechless. 1991's Reverb Sun CD shows the band having made a full transition from new wave to instro-mental mania.
David and Danny remain the constant on the Insect's recorded output, with a rotating cast making up the rhythm section. Dan Valentie appears most frequently as bass player, although he fills in on guitar if Danny can't make a show. And then, you ask, who fills in for Valentie? This is one of the most complicated aspects of being an I.S. fan, wondering who exactly will be in the band at any given live show. The Insect's website keeps track of who the band members were on every gig, and just a glance figures that more than 20 musicians have filled in various slots behind Arnson, the players are a virtual who's who of L.A.'s rock and surf scene.
Songs like "Tiger Shark" or Danny's "Outsider" show why the Insect Surfers have a kinship with the surf music scene, though their sound is far from what is known as the traditional surf twang of Fender Jazzmasters. Both guitarists use Gibsons to get their fat tone, Danny playing a Flying V with humbuckers and Dave with his battered (the MC5's Wayne Kramer called it a "Love Machine") P-90 equipped SG. Eschewing the trad surf tone of the simple reverb tank, you might see any number of stomp box effects on the floor in front of them at gigs, from phasers to fuzz, wah-wahs to flangers (or all of the above plus samples from "Plan 9 from Outer Space" as on track 16-"Psychotronic.") In the studio, they have never been afraid to add exotic stringed instruments such as sitar, bouzouki or the electric saz that Dave bought on a trip to Istanbul. These studio adventures continued on 1996's Death Valley Coastline, causing no less than Billboard Magazine to recognize that "the Surfers sport one of the strongest guitar front lines in L.A."
One thing the Insects do share with trad-surf is an emphasis on melody. Each song works through the familiar pop structure of intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/solo/outro that clearly sets them apart from being a mind numbing noodle jam band. The guitarists trade lead lines for the verses and choruses, and, generally, everybody gets their licks in at some point in the solo section-check out Danny's "Mojave" as a great example of instrumental interplay. The Insects claim Neil Young, Television, Quicksilver, Link Wray ("Razorback" is a tribute to him) and Davie Allan as primary influences (Davie can be heard playing fuzz guitar on track 3, "Volcano Juice"). This primal rock sound is found all over the tracks on Satellite Beach, often intricately intertwined with the exotic middle eastern scales ("Black Sea") first introduced to the genre by Dick Dale. Dick commented (in a way that only Dick can) while listening to the Insects, "I see a guy on the nose of a longboard, sun goin' down, wind blowing through his hair, going across the face of a wave, like in Endless Summer. This is real nice. It's music I wouldn't blow up a building with, but it's music that I'd lay back, shut the lights out, and listen to. It's well done."
Instrumental music lends itself to more imaginative interpretations than vocal music, as it is not bogged down with mundane lyrics. The I.S. sound, with open arrangements and driving rhythms often calls to mind desert scenarios filled with peyote, snakes, gunslingers, more peyote, and a strong desire to get the hell out of dodge. Check out "Diamondback" and "Horizon Riders" for a taste of the Insect's Spaghetti Western influence.
As you can tell by the cover art of Satellite Beach, the Science-Fiction angle has never waned as an influence. The chimey and pristine "Polaris" has been an audience favorite for 18 years now. David describes "Tethys" as a song about "either one of Saturn's moons, a Greek Titan sea goddess, or the name of earth's first ocean, or maybe all three!" For the ultimate Sci-Fi connection, "Silver Coast" was recorded in author Ray Bradbury's old mansion in Venice, California. This compilation brings together three hard to find I.S. tracks that have only appeared on tributes. Henry Mancini's "Mr.Yunioshi" originally appeared on "Shots in the Dark" and features Pete Curry of The Halibuts and Los Straitjackets fame. "Zorba's Theme"-the classic movie song by Theodorakis was originally released on Blood Red Records' "Mondo Drive-In." And perhaps the most curious track on the "Melody Fair" tribute to harmony trio The Bee Gees, was the Insect Surfer's instro version of "Massachusetts." Also from a Blood Red compilation is "Flamin' Eddie's Drag Strip', but this tireburner also made an appearance on the 2003 "Mojave Reef" CD.
2004 finds the Insect Surfers still gigging regularly in Los Angeles. In 2003 they won the award for "Best Instrumental Band" from the L.A. Weekly. In the past two decades they have shared stages with such artists as The Ventures, Dick Dale, Link Wray, Davie Allan, Chris Isaak, Jonathan Richman, Southern Culture on the Skids and The B52s. Currently, the Insect Surfers are the longest-running modern surf-instrumental band on the planet. Live shows still feature the band bouncing around the stage, spending nearly as much time above it as they do on it. And, yeah, Arnson still draws the insect on the long board for his monthly flyers, just as he maintains his vision for the band with a buzz.
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Winner Best Instrumental Band 2003
--L.A.Weekly Music Awards
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Manage to infuse '60s rock with an '80s sensibility. Delightfully cacaphonous, complete with clashing guitar and stomping bass lines ... imaginative electronic extrapolations. The band continuse to grow by absorbing other novel elements and influences.
--Washington Post
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All I can say is, it's about time! The Insect Surfers have been around since '79. In al that time, they have recorded some of the most adventurous and magnificent surf instros around. Finally, Green Cookie assembles a best-of spanning the entire 25 years. Utterly wonderful! it's about time!
Picks: Razorback, Mojave, Volcano Juice, Mr. Yunioshi, Zorba's Dance, Tethys, Tiger Shark, Polaris, Black Sea, Massachusetts, Bouzouki, Dorsal Fin, Diamondback, Outsider, Flamin' Eddie's Dragstrip, Horizon Riders, Psychotronic, Silver Coast
"Razorback" ****
Pick slides slam into a melodic bluesy progression in "Razorback," resulting in a desert mystique that projects images of cacti and mysterious moving rocks around which razorbacks search for chow.
Southwest Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Mojave" *****
This is one of the most spectacular middle eastern surf tracks around. It hollers Bouzoukis and belly dancers, yet it also displays ample southwest desert edge and mystery. A highly energetic, melodic, and absolutely infectious track.
Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Volcano Juice" *****
King Fuzz himself (Davie Allan) lends his bike-o-phonic assault to "Volcano Juice," a towering number with a rolling bass line under a Bo Diddley tom tom cadence and a relentless building series of crescendos. This is the second best tune on the CD, an irrepressible monster! Very tribal and primitive!
Southwest Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Mr. Yunioshi" ****
In a most unusual side trip, the Insect Surfers do a "Mr. Moto" intro, then delve right into Henry Mancini's "Mr. Yunioshi" with insect coolness. This is very adventurous and inventive, with real suave slither and surf underpinnings. The excellent damped plucking and double picked slither, and the way cool string bending make this shine. Too much!
Lounge Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Zorba's Dance" *****
One bitchin track. As usual, the Insects deliver the goods with their dueling leads, and the bit from "Zorba the Greek" is priceless. Truly brilliant! No doubt about it. Totally infectious.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Tethys" *****
"Tethys" captures your ears right from the start. The alternating melody line is captivating and intricate. Each guitar brings its own brand of delivery to the song, with many fine changes in texture and tone. "Tethys" is a magnificent track.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Tiger Shark" ****
"Tiger Shark" opens the album with finite feedback, which evolves into a heavy growling riff with a very cool chunky melody over the top. This is one of those highly infectious Insect Surfer songs that can be identified as theirs without ever having heard it before. A fine track.
Southwest Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Polaris" *****
This is one perfect instro. The melody line features the kind of hooks that stay with you, the arrangement is nearly magical, and the imagery is stunning. This is a mid tempo beautifully written and played tune with subtle drama and picturesque guitar tones.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Black Sea" *****
This is an amazing new song! It rides on an undulating rhythm, born of western skies and summer adventure. Compelling and exquisitely arranged, "Black Sea" demands your attention. Vibrato drama, silky fluid lines, psychedelic effects, and a call to the open highway. Magnificent! No, it's Perfect!
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Massachusetts" ****
This is a deliriously delicious choice to make instro surf hay with. The Bee Gees couldn't have seen this coming, though they did have an excellent sense of melody. It's faster and more spunky than the original, and replete with the insects signature twin leads. Excellent!
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Bouzouki" *****
This tune is dedicated to the fabled classic Greek instrument that inspired Dick Dale's double picking. It combines the trad Greek ethic with surf guitar and bits of "Miserlou." A very strong track.
Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Dorsal Fin" ****
This fine instrumental merely hints at the future surf magic of Dave Arnson. It is a wonderful track, but is quite different than the current Insect fare. It is a marvelous example of early eighties pop gone surf-inspired instro. The keyboard is cool, and the writing is great. I've often asked Dave to add this back to his set, but to no avail. Demand it, it's a great song.
Eighties Pop Instrumental Stereo
"Diamondback" *****
A rattlesnake shakes it's moneymaker as you roll down the Arizona highway with a picture-perfect sunset looming in your future. That's what you see when you listen to "Diamond Back," with it's rolling rhythms, dual leads, and that snake rattle. This is the third best track on this CD, a 5 star tune!
Southwest Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Outsider" *****
This is all about waiting on your board for that long thin dark shadow-line that appears on the horizon, and builds until someone shouts "OUTSIDER!" It shreds, it double-pick pounds, it growls, it groans, and it's killer!
Desert Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Flamin' Eddie's Dragstrip" ****
The dragsters rev up, the announcer calls the race, and then the guitars kick in. This long time Insect Surfers finally makes it to disc, and way past due I say! Great grodie fuzz and liquid guitar, an utterly infectious melody, "Church Key" whammy dips... what more do you need? Edgy hotrod cool!
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Horizon Riders" *****
This is one of the best new songs from the Insect Surfers. It's an infectious spaghetti western with very visual psychedelic swirls. The rolling cowboy beat and Morricone-ish melody are a splendid Southwest epic! The many textural changes add a sense of evolving story lines. Great!
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Psychotronic" ****
This is a Mike Maxfield tune, not like "Cruel Sea," but more like a country backtrack. It's a riff a,d a bunch of country twang, and a rolling down the highway good time pleaser. Dedicated to B-movies everywhere, "Psychotronic" features the signature Insect dual leads over fine chunky rhythms. The trashiness of the black and whites is self-evident in this fine track.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Silver Coast" ****
Slowly rising from the sea and beautiful guitarscapes, "Silver Coast" rides on a circulating melody line atop a great rhythm. This fine track is is a fine example of the swirling perfection that the Insect Surfers are capable of. Gorgeous ringing tone and throbbing essence of surf, with long howling feedback and grumbling bass slowly releasing the track as it fades under the waves.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
--Phil Dirt - Reverb Central
PO Box 7240, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-7240 USA
www.reverbcentral.com
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