Davie Allan’s Retrophonic combines previously unreleased vintage recordings with new tracks and is brimming with Davie’s signature searing fuzz guitar. The disc is dedicated to original Arrows rhythm guitarist Wayne Allwine who passed away last year, and whose vocals and saxophone are featured on Retrophonic. There are also vocal contributions from Ralph “Russ” Viot and Drew Bennett and drum tracks from Larry Brown, all charter Arrows members from the Apache 65 and Blues Theme era lineups of the band, making Retrophonic a “contemporary” vintage Arrows recording. Rounding out the all-star cast are current Arrows members Sam Bolle and Dusty Watson on bass and drums, respectively. Fresh new takes on familiar Arrows themes such as “William Tell 1967” (renamed “The Lone Arranger”), “Glory Stompers” and “Blues Theme” (recast as “Heavenly Blues”) mingle with new material and covers (such as The Mamas And The Papas’ “Straight Shooter” and Duane Eddy’s “Rebel Rouser” which receives the fuzz treatment here) with Davie’s trademark filthy-toned guitar presiding over the proceedings with a vehemence that completely belies the iconic guitarist’s soft-spoken and humble offstage demeanor. The vocal numbers offer some reprieve from the fire’n’brimstone guitar assaults with some intricately arranged harmonies, but the fuzz-soaked Fender Jazzmaster and Davie’s masterful hands are never far away from the spotlight. Never simply content to rest on his laurels and live off the reputation of his legendary 60s recordings, Davie has evolved his playing to even greater heights of virtuosity. Possessing an almost arrogant display of control over what is by definition a barely effect, Davie makes his signature fuzz-toned guitar scream and screech one moment and then has it singing sweetly the next instant, shaping his phrases into unpredictable melodic twists and turns punctuated by moaning whammy bar dips and squealing silicon-enhanced harmonics all over Retrophonic proving that he is the past, present, and future King of Fuzz Guitar.

Z. Izbinsky (The Treblemakers)

The Bambi Molesters – As The Dark Wave Swells (Dancing Bear)

We think very, VERY highly of this Croatian combo. Overcoming a name that surely has turned many people off over the years, they are one of the best (and best-selling) surf bands in the entire world. This disc continues in their fine tradition of releasing some of the best surf and instrumental rock n’ roll you’re ever going to hear. With this disc, it’s immediately obvious that this isn’t just 4 people walking into a studio and banging out 11 tunes. These are fully thought out, and at times fully-orchestrated, surf epics that feature exquisite songwriting, top-notch performances by all four members of the band, plus occasional strings, trumpets and percussion. Don’t ask me to pick a favorite song here, because I couldn’t. There’s a song here to fit any mood that you might be feeling at any given moment. Is it modern or trad? It’s both, and neither. Listening to this several times, I could pick out bits that sound like early 60’s surf, or 50’s instrumental rock n’ roll, but you’ll also hear the influence of the mid-90’s surf resurgence all the way up to the sounds of today. I don’t know if they’re a direct influence, but at times they remind me of Calexico (primarily the use of horns and twangy Tex-Mex guitar). It all adds up to an essential release that should be in the collection of everyone that visits this website. (www.dancingbear.hr)

The Thunderchiefs – The Interstellar Sounds Of… (Wormtone)

I can sum up what makes this an essential purchase with a simple list: vintage guitar sounds, a space theme, Johnny Bartlett design and Wormtone Records. Their first CD, Dig, was an amazing collection of traditional surf tunes – this one delivers more of the same, but with an outer space theme ala the Ventures’ Ventures In Space or the Surfites’ Escapades in Space. Like the Surfites, they add a little dirty fuzz guitar here and there. They also aren’t afraid to pick up an acoustic guitar – “The Lonely Cosmonaut” is a beautiful surf ballad with strummed guitar and xylophone backing the twangy, melodic lead guitar. I’ve been anticipating this one for a long time, and lemme tell you, it was definitely worth the wait. (www.bigk.com/shop.html)

The Anacondas – Bad Buzz: Lost In The Space Age (Surfgalactic International)

It’s great to kick off the review section this issue with one of the best discs we received this year. I have loved the songs I’ve heard by this Dutch surf combo in the past, but this disc tops them all. I’ve always had a soft spot for space-themed surf (although they don’t resort to using sound effects here), and the stark Soviet imagery used for the cover art works perfectly. There is plenty of dripping reverb throughout, plus they sprinkle a little organ, Moog, saxophone, Theremin, trumpet and even flute throughout. It may not be a fully-orchestrated effort like the Barbwires, Los Twang Marvels, or Bambi Molesters, but these instruments give the songs a more complex feel. The sounds also allow the band to veer from surf a bit, but not too far (some of the songs sound a bit like the stuff you might hear from the Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited or Fifty Foot Combo). There is a kinda spoken word/vocal song that might turn off folks that only like instros, but the song (“Hopped Up Rocket”) is actually vocals over the top of the classic, “Movin’”. Overall, an excellent disc that I like more and more with each listen. (www.anacondas.nl)

Stronzo Gelantino & The Boo-Men – Part 1 (Zentral)

I love this disc! Fun, upbeat Euro-stompers packed with layers and layers of reverb. This combo has the energy and sound of their fellow countrymen, the Astronauts, but their recordings have better fidelity, and they play all originals. You can hear polka and ska rhythms throughout, but it doesn’t take this out of the surf rock genre. There’s just too much reverb for that. Apparently this is the first part of a trilogy, so there will be two discs to follow – I can’t wait! (www.stronzogelantino.de)

El Ray – Chasing Ray (Blackout Music)

El Ray have been cranking out high quality surf and instrumental rock n’ roll for about a decade. The quality of their output has never dipped – they come up with highly imaginative, twangy, emotional tunes that pack quite a wallop. I love how they come up with such energetic music without resorting to aimlessly flailing away on their instruments – every note is perfectly placed. While every song is perfect in my book, the one that really stood out for me was “Flying Saucer Theme” – an amazing intro, then incredible melodies on guitar, Melodica and occasional Theremin laid over a basic surf beat. Definitely in the top 10 surf bands on the planet today – this is definitely a disc you’ll want in your collection! (www.blackoutmusic.dk)

The Eliminators – Room To Move (Eliminator)

Based in the birthplace of surf music, southern California, the Eliminators have been delivering top-notch surf instrumentals for the last 20 years or so. Whether it’s onstage or through the home hi-fi, they have a powerful, traditional sound that makes them one of the best bands in the biz. They’ve scored big-time by drafting in legendary guitarist John Blair for this disc – his playing and songwriting skill can be heard throughout. Nearly all of the tunes are originals, many sure to find a place amongst the essential surf instrumentals of the decade, but they also manage to squeeze in a Link Wray classic (“Steel Trap”). Other influences are evident, such as rockabilly and spaghetti western, but for the most part this is a straight forward, traditional surf rock release. Add a simple, yet classic looking album cover, and you’ve got one heck of a disc! (www.theeliminators.com)

The Surfites – Surfites & Co. (Double Crown)

I know it’s cheating to include a Double Crown band in this list, but I can honestly say this one deserves to be here. The Surfites are a Swedish studio band, similar to 60′s groups like the Kickstands, The Hondells and the Super Stocks. On this release the boys have put together their own unique collection – songs with different sounds, and different band names (The Surfites, The Excelsiors, The Angry Breed and The Royal Vikings), but all delivered by the same group of musicians! (www.doublecrownrecords.com)

The Von Drats – Dratsylvania (Stereo Dynamite)

I put off reviewing this until October – it just seemed like I should give it a thorough listen right around Halloween. Although this Canadian surf/instro band does like to add plenty of spooky organ to their twangy guitars and rollicking rhythm section, and although most of the songs are perfect for any Halloween party, there are plenty of songs here that also work any time of the year. Comparisons to the Ghastly Ones are inevitable, but what sets this band apart is a slightly more trad surf sound, plus a little less polish. They have a ways to go before they top the Ghastly Ones, but having said that, there are gonna be times that I’d rather listen to this disc than one of theirs, which speaks volumes about the quality of this disc. (www.stereodynamite.com)

The Silhouettes – The Ocean Of Sunken Dreams (Beat & Twang)

The Silhouettes are one of the finest Euro-instro groups, delivering songs laden with reverb (lots of reverb) and exquisite playing. The emphasis here is definitely on lead guitarist Eero Patari, who also wrote all of the original songs. The drums, bass and rhythm guitar are definitely secondary here, but that’s perfectly alright. While I like their sound, I have to admit the song “Surfin’ With Sharks” was a nice break, with the reverb turned down in favor of a more crunchy, twangy sound. Still, this is a band that knows what it does best, twangy, atmospheric instrumentals with intricate guitar playing and European style melodies. (www.thesilhouettes.fi)

Bay Of Pigs – Surfin’ Missile Crisis (Self Released)

Overcoming what is probably the absolute worst cover art I’ve ever seen, as well as a terrible band name, this new surf combo actually delivers excellent, energetic, original surf rock. Man Or Astroman? is a definite reference point, as well as Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet. There are 13 original songs, packed with reverb, driving drum beats and occasional between song samples. The guitars have plenty of twang, and the songs are highly melodic, veering away from traditional I-IV-V chord progressions. If this band set up an actual website, and got in touch with Johnny Bartlett, Shag, Ferenc Dobronyi, Benny Hammond or anyone that has done artwork for Norton or Estrus Records, they could win themselves a large fanbase on the basis of this music. Check ‘em out on this issue’s CD. (www.myspace.com/bayofpigssurf)