January Birthdays 
The Seismics – Lost Summer LP (Self-Released)
The first full-length record from this California quartet is the instrumental equivalent of a cool breeze caressing your sun-kissed skin while walking barefoot in the sand. An enjoyable range of styles is present in this recording from surf and Tiki/exotica to spy and Spaghetti Western with a splash of vintage rock ‘n roll.
The lead-off track, “Landlocked” sets the mood with splashing waves morphing into a sweet sustain, a hypnotizing melody, and some snazzy horns. “Lost Summer” picks up the tempo and incorporates a catchy bassline throughout. The two guitars play well together, and the timekeeper drives it home with the classic surf beat. “Revenge of the Tiger,” is the longest track surpassing the 4-minute mark. It’s a chill tune teeming with Tiki/exotica sounds. “Surfin’ in Place” with its funky groove and “Song from a Balcony” with its exotic charm keep the relaxed vibes flowing.
Flip the platter and seagulls and a foghorn introduces “Vitamin Sea,” a dreamy island tune. Lift your favorite libation to your lips, sway to the sounds, and get lost in reverie. The second tune on the B-Side – and seventh overall - “Next Wave” is a swift, surfed-out number complete with a call-and-response with the guitar and sax. The unmistakable bass echoes in the distance along with the steady timing of the ride cymbal. Ironically, “The Rising Tide” has a slower tempo. The juicy guitar notes ground the listener in the sands of self-reflection. “Big Shot” is a fun, groovin’, danceable tune where the percussion abounds and guitar and bass play harmoniously. “Brave the Storm” is a brief, western-styled ditty with horns, güiro, active percussion, and lively guitar picking. As the name implies, “The After After After Party” is a celebratory conclusion structured with a clever groove on the rhythm guitar, flashy notes from the lead, keys for added excitement, and a rockin’ rhythm section.
The “11 original instrumental surf songs for weird times” have a runtime of nearly 33 minutes. There is a limited run of 250 copies on vinyl (in a poly bag) if collectibles are your thing or the unlimited digital downloads at: https://theseismics.bandcamp.com/album/lost-summer
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
—Matthew
Purchasae Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
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Last edited: Jan 06, 2025 10:49:40
