January Birthdays 
Thálasses - Ἀνάβασις/Anábasis Maxi 12” EP (Missing Fink Records)
Thalassa, Greek for “sea” is a fitting name for a surf instrumental band especially one of this caliber. This outfit features Sys Malakian, the multi-band guitar wizard, Teté from The Strings Aflame on the low end (bajo), and F. Sorkin of Los Frankys (and more) keeping time. Collectively, this is their fourth physical release: two self-released CDs, and one CD on Surf Cookie.
The three-piece from Mexico with a Greek band name opens the EP with a track named after the Latin writings of the Roman poet, Virgil, “Sol Tibi Signa Dabit,” or “The Sun Will Give You a Sign.” It’s a catchy number that takes us through various sounds and feelings. The melody is memorable, and the combo organ creates a fuller effect. “Nightmare” is a spunky ditty. It starts strong with some swift picking, reduces the tempo to highlight a brief solo, and then picks up where it left off. “Última Bala” or “Last Ball” presents a wide range of tempos. The tremolo picking and glissando will appeal to the die-hard surf fans. The slower segment gives a nice depth to the composition. Once again, Sys adds a new dimension with the keys and a kick to the reverb tank.
From the juicy drip, wave-like picking, rocking rhythm section, and the classic surf beat, “Augurios” or “Omens” has all the hallmarks of a superior surf tune. “Mar Mediterráneo” or “Mediterranean Sea” is an upbeat and dynamic number. The guitar work is top-notch, the bass guitar complements the score, and the drummer keeps things moving. “Viajes Tributarios” or “Tax Trips” is a light-hearted, carnival-sounding tune with the combo organ front and center creating a cheerful ambiance. It’s a unique ending to a brief but exciting journey with a little tension between the bright, airy sounds and some slightly somber tones.
The 6 tunes have a 16:21 runtime. The title, Anábasis comes from an ancient Greek novel and has the sense of rising again stronger than before. That theme is woven throughout the record. To that end, Sys’ guitar skills shine brightly with the range of emotions that he can evoke. The rhythm section supports this endeavor capably.
The packaging is cool! It’s a silkscreen jacket with a hole in the center to reveal the completion of the art with the B-side center label. Based on the matrix inscription, the A-side center label is marked with a Missing Fink ink stamp. The jacket is cleverly wrapped with an obi strip to provide the track titles and identify the 45 RPM designation. This maxi EP is limited to 300 copies on plum purple vinyl with either a blue-green or bronze cover. There are 150 copies of each cover where the center label and jacket colors match. Pick up a copy quickly or download it at: https://thalasses.bandcamp.com/merch or https://www.missingfink.com/
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
—Matthew
Purchasae Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
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Last edited: Jan 11, 2025 10:27:05
