Toro Jones - Toro Jones CD (Otitis Media)

Guitarist Steve Laudicina’s has honed his skills and sound from years of performing punk rock initially, then later blues as a touring musician. In 2016, he started a new project called “Toro Jones” which is an instrumental surf/garage three-piece combo. He and his band create a sound inspired by the gritty early instro rock n’ roll sound, as well as more modern garage punk. This is their debut album, sporting nine original songs crafted over the last several years, displaying a loud, yet melodic sound. If you like loud, brash surf/instro rock this has got it, yet my favorite tracks were the exotica-influenced “Big Noise From The Jungle”, which has great guitar work over the top of a primal drum beat, and the absolutely lovely “Noche Sin Luna”.

Tracks: Night Of The Fly - Unraveler - Bone Vampire - Big Noise From The Jungle - Bat Outta Hell! - Noche Sin Luna - Here Come The Fuzz - Hells Angels - Strong Island