December Birthdays 
Monster Wave - Pazuzu Luau CD (Double Crown Records)
A new and monstrously meticulous CD from this Asheville, NC outfit. Through and through this is a fun record that really captures the spirit and sound of what makes surf instrumental music such an engaging genre.
It’s refreshing to witness a band that takes their craft seriously and maintains a sense of humor and light-heartedness. The clever word plays begin with the band’s maritime moniker and continue into tunes like, “The Legend of Sir Cophagus.” (I’d imagine this is about a coughin’ knight.) You will lose your head over “The Great Rinaldi,” or dance like an Egyptian to the “Im Ho Tep Two Step.” Fans of the horror genre will be 'blown away’ by the reference in the album’s title.
The pleasantly plucked melodies are plentiful and arranged to keep any monster’s fins-a-flappin' and claws-a-clappin' to the classic surf beat! While they can hold their own when it comes to speed, that’s not a focus. You are apt to hear more eerily echoing notes than an overpowering assortment of up-tempo tunes.
Beyond the swell, the musical landscape is vast. They have one claw feverishly clutching the vintage sound and one webbed foot swimming steadily into the future. If you like your surf seasoned with a dash of saxophone, Monster Waves is happy to accommodate. The sax is well-played and fits with the vibe perfectly. There’s a tasteful use of keyboards that adds a nice flavor while avoiding the common pitfalls of said instrument. A pinch of theremin to create a creepy ambiance and some ghoulish howling for an extra bite. Traces of metal can even be found in their recipe.
The CD's abode is a gatefold sleeve, and the runtime is just over 30 minutes. Purchase the physical media or digital download today at Monster Wave BC or Double Crown
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine 2
—Matthew
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Email: Matthew_e_clark_6@hotmail.com
Last edited: Aug 27, 2024 17:28:41
