These guys have the sound, the attitude, and some great new surf songs.
It's like travelling back to '63 and finding a surf band with musicians
who'd actually been playing their instruments for more than a couple of
weeks! These guys are really good. If you like surf music, or if you
even think you like it, you will love this album. And if you play surf
guitar (like me), there are lots of great hooks and new riffs here to
borrow! Long live The Eliminators!
High-energy, creative, authentic, home-grown, real, non-commercial (I
hope not, but I remember how much more I enjoyed the X Files before
everybody else knew about it). This is a great CD. Buy it now. Buy
copies for all of your fellow "surf dudes/ettes". Real California
feel-good on a disc. You cannot be depressed and listen to this at the
same time. I tried. I couldn't do it! I also love to play along on my
aquamarine strat. Have had a great time and never get bored listening
to it again. Hope they keep on performing and making more CDs.
Incredibly performed genuine surf for the 90's and beyond!, ..
By A Customer
I first heard LA's Eliminators on Tri-Surf Records' Planet Surf CD.
Since then, I've played "Bone Cruncher" umpteen times on Surf's Up! A
few months back I saw them in Santa Cruz, and I was completely blown
away! They were very powerful, authentic as hell, played gorgeous
vintage equipment (drool), and had a delivery like none since the
Original Surfaris! Joe Kurkowski plays a killer lead, Preston Wilson
plays a great rhythm guitar, Frank Hughes plays a solid surf bass, Doug
Harlow plays his brand new drums, and Billy Swanson is the best vintage
surf sax player I've heard in years, and I usually don't like horns at
all, save for Steve Douglas' classic surf squonks on songs like "Banzai
Washout." They understand the genre like guys who were there in '62,
and they play like guys who are in a major hurry to pummel their
audience. Incredibly powerful, masterfully performed genuine surf for
the 90's and beyond! There is no more perfect an example of a vintage
surf band recorded in the 90's!
All 14 surf instros are winners., ..
By A Customer
Ultra Sonic marks a significant departure for the Eliminators. It also
retains their signature sound. Adding sophistication, country, and
excellent arranging to their crunchy sound, and reducing the reverb on
the rhythm guitar, all add up to excellent listening. It's good to hear
new material from this rarest of bands, real longboarders playing real
surf music. All 14 surf instros are winners.
PARAFIN
JUNGLE*** This is an excursion into sonic territory that the
Eliminators have not previously ventured, the land of Memphis flavored
instros, where gig flowing notes and effected country twang rule. It's
melodic and prancing, with an excellent sax break from Billy Swanson.
E-FIVE****
Big twang reverb, ringing chords, and a shimmering sounds await as Joe
Kurkowski's guitar floats on a sea of shallow vibrato. The break is a
mean double picked low-E grind followed by a great and gentle vibrato
riff. "E-Five" is big and very satisfying.
CROSS STEPPIN'****
Damped rhythms and moody bass under flowing lead chords give way to a
great riff, and then the backtrack transitions into a cool solid beat
with ska rhythm guitar. This is an infectious and haunting track, with
power and excellent arranging.
DR. JELLY FINGER**** An effect
electronic whirring keyboard excursion over solid damped rhythm guitar
and a sorta B-52's progression, and quirky surf lead guitar. Quite an
unusual track. The page of "Dr. Jelly Finger" followed by the evil
laugh identifies "Dr. Jelly Finger" as a proctologist who enjoys his
work and your discomfort. Pretty darn cool.
THE BREEZE &
I**** Ernesto Lacuoña's classic melody is beautifully played out. This
is just about as good as it gets, just shy of the exquisite Vibrants'
version. The shimmering tone and delicate playing are perfect for the
melody. The flute verse gives in an exotic air.
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Surfing music, ..December 7, 2008..
I love this album. It has smooth ocean and pounding waves which I think
all surf music albums should have as a minimum standard. The music is
terrific particularly Aloha Hell, Long Live the king and Point
Conception. It is a really good album with skilled performers and music
that stays in your head for some time after. Give it a listen. |