January Birthdays 
Chillingsworth Surfingham – Mavericks CD (PopPop Records)
Mavericks is the second LP from San Francisco’s surf-guitar-playing-shades-wearing teddy bear and his ensemble of talented musicians. From start to finish, this is an impressive recording. Each number plays an important part in the soundtrack, and you will want to listen to each with care and attention.
“Emergency Bear” is a rockin’ ditty to get the party started. It has what I would call a “California feel” to it. If you like riding waves or hanging out and having fun on a warm California beach this is the sonic similitude. “Nancy Drew Mysteries” keeps the festivities fresh and highlights rapid picking. “Snail Shell Stomp” is a drum-heavy rhythmic number. Yes, the tempo is slower than the previous two tracks, yet it’s not analogous to a gastropod’s gait. “Fjords,” track four, commences with a funky bassline and then flows smoothly into some groovy guitar work while the drummer keeps impeccable timing adding his flare and style. “The Dangerous Sea” and “Top Fuel Showdown” are my favorites! These stand out for their catchy melodies and killer dynamics! “Rubber Sneakers” rounds out the trio of tunes in the middle as the most surfed-out tune of all. “Courtesy Star” and “Thinking of You” provide the ‘chill’ in “Chillingsworth.” Two tunes to spin when it’s time to relax and ponder the calm and peaceful aspects of sun and sand. “Thinking of You” and “Tater Tots” step up the tempo and kinetics shining a spotlight on the group’s skill and synergy. The concluding track, “Lazy Afternoon Feels” is an excellent number with which to wind down a compelling album.
The eleven tracks offer us 30 enjoyable minutes of quality instrumental music. Their fellow musicians will appreciate the deftness on display; the wise use of two guitars and a rhythm section that adds talent and personality to the compositions. The bass guitar and drums are an active and dynamic duo, never once playing anything basic or mundane. If you like music rooted in surf, well-played, and chill, then carpe diem and pick up a copy now! There are 500 CDs, a mere 200 LPs on pink wax, and the readily available digital download at: https://chillingsworthsurfingham.bandcamp.com/merch
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
—Matthew
Purchasae Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
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