I didn't think twice about turning that wave blue considering the title, in fact I didn't even think about it at all. Anyway, pink and blue looks better than pink and green. I've been to Padre Island and the water was blue then. The CD is not only traditional surf but it is the very best of surf music in my opinion, rich in melody, catchy originals, variety of moods, great arrangements, and fresh approaches to covers. Well done!

I've spun this CD a couple of times now, and I gotta say that I like it a lot, and would definitely recommend it to all trad surf fans. The Take Offs have a very clean and melodic sound that even in their more aggressive moments retains a delicate touch that to my ears really captures the spirit of Kauai, a particular relaxed and content attitude reflecting the great beauty surrounding all who live there.

The album has five covers and nine originals (written by the whole band). The covers are uniformly great, in particular the Pyramids' Pressure, Teisco Del Ray's Pier Pressure (EXCELLENT choice of a cover with this one, a true forgotten gem), and Jet Harris'/the Ventures' Diamonds (it sounds like they possibly covered the Ventures version, correct me if I'm wrong, Ron). There's also Only The Young, though I can't figure out from where I know that song - the Ventures? It's a great one, too, a beautiful melodic, slightly melancholy track. The originals are very good, and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the above classics, which is a true feat! I particularly enjoyed the title song, Mosquito Bay, Goofy Foot, Gone Surfin' and Scrubbed at Middles, which are all vibrant, uptempo trad-surf melodic rockers! Colin's Wave and Avila feature the more mellow side of the band's writing, and are both gorgeous, with the former being a sunny, optimistic track, the latter being a bit more introspective and darker.

The Take Offs definitely have their own sound, which I think I can best describe as modern-trad, if that makes any sense. (Probably not!) The band is clearly grounded in trad surf and the Ventures, but have a big, clear, modern sound on this album that is in general not super heavy on reverb (though it has its moments!), but does feature a lot of instrumental interaction. A few references possibly are some things by the Eliminators, the two '90s albums by Jon & the Nightriders (Fiberglass Rocket and Moving Target), and some of Paul Johnson's stuff from the past 15 years or so, Tsnumami from Liquid Blues or something along those lines. All instruments have an authentic surf sound, and guitars in particular sound really nice.

This is just a fun, upbeat, good-time trad surf CD that I think would be appreciated by almost all SG101-ers. I very much recommend it! I believe that Double Crown Records carries it, but if not, hopefully Ron will pipe up and instruct how you can get it. It's pretty amazing that four guys that work so well together could find each other on such a small island as Kauai! That's definitely kismet! And it makes me even more bummed out that I didn't get to see them play during my recent visit to Kauai. You guys have GOT to get back that weekly Sheraton gig! Hopefully I'll see you there in the next few years. Until then, keep up the great work!

Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube

Last edited: Jan 19, 2013 11:23:30

Ron-Rhoades wrote:

I'm a bit stunned that one of the best guitar players on the planet, in our opinion, would see fit to review it for us here at SG101!!

You must have me confused with somebody else... Seriously, that's very nice of you to say, though that doesn't seem right to me at all. But I'll be gracious and take the compliment - thank you very much!

For us, this is a great honor. Thank you so much Ivan. I'll print this and share it with the guys tonight at our show here on Kauai.

Great!!

WOW!!

Just writing from the heart! I think your album has undeservedly gone under the radar for most surf music fans, and that's a damn shame, since it's really a great surf album that I think most fans of this genre would very much enjoy. I hope at least a few more give it a shot as a result of my review. And maybe if they enjoy it they'll pipe up and write a few good words about it here, as well. Let's get that word of mouth of going - you guys deserve it!

Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube

Double-Crown-Records wrote:

I'm not sure how under the radar this disc is - it's been one of the best sellers for us over the past year (so good that I'm currently sold out - gotta contact Ron for more!).

That's great to hear, Sean! I guess I just haven't seen people discussing it much, but I'm very glad to hear it's sold so well. Hopefully that'll continue.

Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube

I got my copy of "Blue Avalanche" several months ago. It is one of "most listened to" CDs,