Reverb Galaxy is a Maryland based surf instrumental band that preserves the history of surf music, while exploring its future. Formed in 2004 by guitarists Art Svrjcek and Joe Atkins, the band’s focus has always been on delivering passionate, well-crafted songs with enduring melodies. Sometimes playful, then suddenly powerful and commanding, the music reflects the ocean’s ever-changing nature. Jim Colby on bass and Jeremy Carlson on drums forge the pounding rhythmic beats so essential to the true surf sound.
Starting with the adrenaline-pumping “Invasion” right into the “Balkan Stomp”, Reverb Galaxy delivers the classic Dick Dale-esque tremolo picking and glissandos soaked with plenty of Fender reverb. Follow that with the beautifully arranged “10 Miles to Nags Head” and their tribute to the Shadows’ Hank Marvin, and you’ll hear how this band still honors the influences of the genre and its culture. All the classic surf styles are captured on this CD: spy, space, beach, and even a little country.
Just like Duke Kahanamoku, George Freeth, and other wave pioneers, Reverb Galaxy’s mission is to embrace the soul of the ocean and spread its Aloha spirit to the world.
REVIEWS:
GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE - JUNE 2009
CD Review: Reverb Galaxy, Angle of Attack
By Barry Cleveland
Surfing probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Maryland, but the Old Line state is home to a surf scene, and at least one really good surf band.
Fronted by lead guitarist Art Svrjcek, Reverb Galaxy is an instrumental quartet that deftly navigates the West Coast pipeline, while also paying homage to British Stratmaster Hank Marvin and tossing in a moon rock or two. Svrjcek covers the classic moves—from percussive Dick Dale slides to swooping Jim Fuller riffs to sweet Marvin-like melodic lines—ably backed by the tasty twang of rhythm guitarist Joe Atkins, and the spirited propulsion provided by drummer Jeremy Carlson and bassist Jim Colby.
Although not included among the influences name checked in the CD liner notes, the production and musical attitude embodied in these songs remind me as much of Joe Meek bands such as the Fabulous Flee-Rakkers and the Moontrekkers as they do the Surfaris or the Ventures—and that’s a good thing in my book. The guitar tones, too, are dripping with vibe.
...this is the sort of album you just want to pop into the player in your Woodie and cruise down the coast with on an endless summer afternoon. Bitch’n! Reverb Galaxy.
VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE - MAY 2009
by Dan Forte
Reverb Galaxy, a Maryland-based quartet that literally wears it's reverb on it's sleeve. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, as the nine originals in Angle of Attack illustrate. All four members have a hand in the songwriting, but Strat-wielding lead guitarist Art Svrjcek leads the way-from the angular opener "Invasion", to his melodic nod to Hank Marvin "In the Shadow's Shadow". It is, in fact the strength and variety of the compositions that impress most here-which considering the band's tightness and Svrjcek's big tone, is saying a lot.
This, thankfully, is not a collection of riffs in search of a melody-the trap too many neo-surfers fall into. If the Ventures, were still in the practice of mining regional bands' repertoires for material they would do well to check out Reverb Galaxy.
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