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I've recently gotten the sophomore album by the Atomic
Mosquitos, "Release The Mosquitos!", and wow, it's great! The
Atomic Mosquitos are from Frederick, Maryland (outside of
Washington, DC), and I've known their drummer Craig Stang for many
years now. He even filled in on drums for Doug of the Space
Cossacks on several occasions. I'm so happy to see that Craig is
not only still playing surf music, but that he's got one hell of a
band!
The Mosquitos play traditional surf music with some light modern
influences. Good points of reference would be the Penetrators and
the Volcanos. Like those two bands, the Mosquitos' focus is on the
melody and flowing arrangements rather than impressing with
technique or blowing away with energy, though they certainly don't
lack in either energy or technique. All the musicians are very good
both at playing and at capturing the proper surf style and sound
(though the bass doesn't sound very trad, but it's OK), and my man
Craig does a wonderful job pounding the skins (as well as playing
the drums! :). But special kudos must go to the lead guitarist Paul
Carson who plays with a lot of feeling and melodic imagination. In
addition, he sports an authentic surf guitar tone that is also very
full, warm and immensely pleasing. However, it's also clear that
song arrangements are a band effort, and this is definitely the
band's strength.
The most remarkable thing about the Mosquitos is their songs. I
must admit that it took several listens to fully appreciate their
depth and beauty, but now I'm totally addicted! My very favorite on
the CD is the stunning "Axis of Evil", a song which I would be VERY
proud to call one of my own! It's an urgent number, based on a
syncopated drum pattern, featuring a recurring high-string motif,
with a darkly exotic verse. The arrangement is relatively complex,
but everything fits together perfectly, including the super-cool
bridge which seems to come out of nowhere! This is one of three
songs on the CD that also vaguely remind me of the Aqua Velvets (in
my book a major compliment). I don't know of if this is intentional
(I'm guessing it's not), but the `glistening' sound of the lead
guitar as well as the melodic phrasing and the chord progressions
all evoke the Aqua Velvets in my mind. The other two `Aqua-Velvety'
songs are "Souixnami" (which also has a bit of a new-wave feel to
it, much like some of the Penetrators' best), and "Dead Sea Stroll"
with its `Mexican rooftop afternoon' feel and a beautiful, aching
melody. Elsewhere they channel the Bambi Molesters on the
moody "Sizzler", and the Ventures on the easy-flowing "Wild Wild
Midwest". The CD is quite varied, ranging from the hard-
hitting "Pope Of Chile Town" and "Planet From Outer Space" (with
some great Theremin playing by the monster artist Stephen
Blickenstaff, who also did the awesome cover artwork) to the ultra-
happy "Beach Blanket Inferno" (reminding me of the great happy-surf-
tunes of the Woodies and Mark Brodie & the Beaver Patrol and with
a nice nod in the intro to Richie Podolor's "Beat `65") to the
wonderfully exotic "Whole Larva Love" and album closer "Dreamsicle",
evoking images of the tropical islands. The only cover song on the
CD is the up-tempo, surfed-up version of Elvis' "Are You Lonesome
Tonight". It works OK, but it's a bit gimmicky and once the novelty
wears off, I don't think it stands up to the high quality of the
band's originals.
If I could make one suggestion to the Mosquitos it would be to work
on developing a more characteristic band sound which I don't think
they have right now. But if they never do, it's OK we'll still
have a bunch of fantastic songs! Anyway, I can't recommend this CD
highly enough. The best of 2005 so far, as far as I'm concerned.
(Is there any competition? What else has come out this year?)
Ivan
Hey, thanks for the great review Ivan! We're not worthy!
I should clarify that our ex-guitarist George actually plays lead on Axis of
Evil, Siouxnami,
Dead Sea Stroll and Dreamsicle. He does the Strat Aqua Velvety type stuff, I do
the rest of
the Jag leads. He is great, and a great songwriter too, especially for a guy
that doesn't
know a whole lot about surf. He probably has never even heard the AV's ;-). Were
still
good friends and he may do some ghostwriting for us behind the scenes which
would be
cool. But Joe Marencic our new Strat guy fills in seemlessly. Joe is actually a
little edgier
style of player too, so he adds that to the sound as well.
BTW- the local DC classic rock DJ "Cerphe" has been spinning our stuff as well
as the
Cossacks lately during the breaks. You have to listen very closley sometimes to
hear the
short clips, but it's kinda cool to hear local surf on mainstream radio.
Paul
aToMic mOsQuiTos
Wow, thanks very much for the kinds words. It warms my heart that
you liked it so much since The Space Cossacks were one of a few
bands that got me back into surf after a 10 year lapse into
alt/rock. Watching you guys play at IOTA's really got mine and
Paul's surf juices flowing again! So in some way you're to blame!
8^)
I just want to point out in fairness to George, our other guitarist
at the time, that on songs that George wrote like the
aforementioned "Axis of Evil" "Souixnami" "Dead Sea
Stroll" "Sizzler" and "Dreamsicle" That he did all the lead work.
I don't think that is made clear anywhere on the CD. Paul plays
lead on all of his songs and on my songs. George has since left the
band but will still be do some ghost writing which warms my heart
too...8^) He's replacement, Joe Marencic, is a guy both me and
George played with during our alt/rock excursion. Which has made the
transition a seamless process thankfully.
Anyway thanks for the nice review Ivan, you made my day.
Sean
--- In , "ipongrac" <ipongrac@g...>
wrote:
> I've recently gotten the sophomore album by the Atomic
> Mosquitos, "Release The Mosquitos!", and wow, it's great! The
> Atomic Mosquitos are from Frederick, Maryland (outside of
> Washington, DC), and I've known their drummer Craig Stang for many
> years now. He even filled in on drums for Doug of the Space
> Cossacks on several occasions. I'm so happy to see that Craig is
> not only still playing surf music, but that he's got one hell of a
> band!
>
> The Mosquitos play traditional surf music with some light modern
> influences. Good points of reference would be the Penetrators and
> the Volcanos. Like those two bands, the Mosquitos' focus is on
the
> melody and flowing arrangements rather than impressing with
> technique or blowing away with energy, though they certainly don't
> lack in either energy or technique. All the musicians are very
good
> both at playing and at capturing the proper surf style and sound
> (though the bass doesn't sound very trad, but it's OK), and my man
> Craig does a wonderful job pounding the skins (as well as playing
> the drums! :). But special kudos must go to the lead guitarist
Paul
> Carson who plays with a lot of feeling and melodic imagination.
In
> addition, he sports an authentic surf guitar tone that is also
very
> full, warm and immensely pleasing. However, it's also clear that
> song arrangements are a band effort, and this is definitely the
> band's strength.
>
> The most remarkable thing about the Mosquitos is their songs. I
> must admit that it took several listens to fully appreciate their
> depth and beauty, but now I'm totally addicted! My very favorite
on
> the CD is the stunning "Axis of Evil", a song which I would be
VERY
> proud to call one of my own! It's an urgent number, based on a
> syncopated drum pattern, featuring a recurring high-string motif,
> with a darkly exotic verse. The arrangement is relatively
complex,
> but everything fits together perfectly, including the super-cool
> bridge which seems to come out of nowhere! This is one of three
> songs on the CD that also vaguely remind me of the Aqua Velvets
(in
> my book a major compliment). I don't know of if this is
intentional
> (I'm guessing it's not), but the `glistening' sound of the lead
> guitar as well as the melodic phrasing and the chord progressions
> all evoke the Aqua Velvets in my mind. The other two `Aqua-
Velvety'
> songs are "Souixnami" (which also has a bit of a new-wave feel to
> it, much like some of the Penetrators' best), and "Dead Sea
Stroll"
> with its `Mexican rooftop afternoon' feel and a beautiful, aching
> melody. Elsewhere they channel the Bambi Molesters on the
> moody "Sizzler", and the Ventures on the easy-flowing "Wild Wild
> Midwest". The CD is quite varied, ranging from the hard-
> hitting "Pope Of Chile Town" and "Planet From Outer Space" (with
> some great Theremin playing by the monster artist Stephen
> Blickenstaff, who also did the awesome cover artwork) to the ultra-
> happy "Beach Blanket Inferno" (reminding me of the great happy-
surf-
> tunes of the Woodies and Mark Brodie & the Beaver Patrol and
with
> a nice nod in the intro to Richie Podolor's "Beat `65") to the
> wonderfully exotic "Whole Larva Love" and album
closer "Dreamsicle",
> evoking images of the tropical islands. The only cover song on
the
> CD is the up-tempo, surfed-up version of Elvis' "Are You Lonesome
> Tonight". It works OK, but it's a bit gimmicky and once the
novelty
> wears off, I don't think it stands up to the high quality of the
> band's originals.
>
> If I could make one suggestion to the Mosquitos it would be to
work
> on developing a more characteristic band sound which I don't think
> they have right now. But if they never do, it's OK we'll still
> have a bunch of fantastic songs! Anyway, I can't recommend this
CD
> highly enough. The best of 2005 so far, as far as I'm concerned.
> (Is there any competition? What else has come out this year?)
>
> Ivan
--- In , "obmosquito" <obmosquito@c...>
wrote:
> Hey, thanks for the great review Ivan! We're not worthy!
Hey Paul! You're very welcome, and you most certainly ARE very
worthy!
> I should clarify that our ex-guitarist George actually plays lead
on Axis of Evil, Siouxnami,
> Dead Sea Stroll and Dreamsicle. He does the Strat Aqua Velvety
type stuff, I do the rest of
> the Jag leads. He is great, and a great songwriter too, especially
for a guy that doesn't
> know a whole lot about surf. He probably has never even heard the
AV's ;-).
Interesting! It never even occured to me that there could be two
lead guitarists, but I can now definitely hear the two distinctive
styles. Well, I really enjoyed both his songs and his guitar
playing, I think he's excellent (as are you, for sure). I'm sorry
to hear that he's gone. And I'm not surprised to hear that he's
probably not familiar with the AVs - it seemed more like an
accidental style in common rather than willful emulation.
> Were still
> good friends and he may do some ghostwriting for us behind the
> scenes which would be cool.
Yep, you should definitely try to hold on to his songwriting
talents!
> But Joe Marencic our new Strat guy fills in seemlessly. Joe is
> actually a little edgier style of player too, so he adds that to
> the sound as well.
Cool, I'm very glad you already got a replacement. I look forward
to hearing him play.
> BTW- the local DC classic rock DJ "Cerphe" has been spinning our
> stuff as well as the Cossacks lately during the breaks. You have
> to listen very closley sometimes to hear the short clips, but it's
> kinda cool to hear local surf on mainstream radio.
Excellent! I know Cerphe was doing this even when I still lived in
DC (I moved in '98), and I'm very happy to hear he's still at it.
And that he still favors LOCAL surf bands! What a great guy! I
hope it helps with local promotion a bit...
Best, and congratulations again on a fantastic CD.
Ivan
--- In , "Suck Face"
<atomic_mosquitos@h...> wrote:
> Wow, thanks very much for the kinds words. It warms my heart that
> you liked it so much since The Space Cossacks were one of a few
> bands that got me back into surf after a 10 year lapse into
> alt/rock. Watching you guys play at IOTA's really got mine and
> Paul's surf juices flowing again! So in some way you're to blame!
> 8^)
Oh no!! I'm to blame??? The horror!!! Actually, that's absolutely
awesome, I'm thrilled to hear that. Very, very cool.
> I just want to point out in fairness to George, our other
guitarist
> at the time, that on songs that George wrote like the
> aforementioned "Axis of Evil" "Souixnami" "Dead Sea
> Stroll" "Sizzler" and "Dreamsicle" That he did all the lead
work.
> I don't think that is made clear anywhere on the CD. Paul plays
> lead on all of his songs and on my songs. George has since left
the
> band but will still be do some ghost writing which warms my heart
> too...8^) He's replacement, Joe Marencic, is a guy both me and
> George played with during our alt/rock excursion. Which has made
the
> transition a seamless process thankfully.
Hey, you and Paul wrote almost the exact same thing!! What, do you
have a telepathic connection or something? ;)
> Anyway thanks for the nice review Ivan, you made my day.
You guys totally deserve it. And all surf fans deserve to have this
CD in their collection - you'll love it for sure!
Ivan
Now if we could only be that in sync at our shows! 8^)
Thanks again Ivan
--- In , "ipongrac" <ipongrac@g...> wrote:
Hey, you and Paul wrote almost the exact same thing!! What, do you
have a telepathic connection or something? ;)
Paul,
Is Dead Sea Stroll the Torquays song, or an original?
They used that title awhile back.
Jeff(bigtikidude)
--- In , "obmosquito" <obmosquito@c...>
wrote:
> Hey, thanks for the great review Ivan! We're not worthy!
>
> I should clarify that our ex-guitarist George actually plays lead
on Axis of Evil, Siouxnami,
> Dead Sea Stroll and Dreamsicle. He does the Strat Aqua Velvety type
stuff, I do the rest of
> the Jag leads. He is great, and a great songwriter too, especially
for a guy that doesn't
> know a whole lot about surf. He probably has never even heard the
AV's ;-). Were still
> good friends and he may do some ghostwriting for us behind the
scenes which would be
> cool. But Joe Marencic our new Strat guy fills in seemlessly. Joe
is actually a little edgier
> style of player too, so he adds that to the sound as well.
>
> BTW- the local DC classic rock DJ "Cerphe" has been spinning our
stuff as well as the
> Cossacks lately during the breaks. You have to listen very closley
sometimes to hear the
> short clips, but it's kinda cool to hear local surf on mainstream
radio.
>
> Paul
> aToMic mOsQuiTos
Hey Jeff, Dead Sea Stroll is an original of ours. The cd is all
original except for our cover of "Are You Lonesome Tonight". It is
upbeat with a "Walk Don't Run" feel to it. -Craig
--- In , "Jeff" <bigtikidude@y...>
wrote:
> Paul,
> Is Dead Sea Stroll the Torquays song, or an original?
> They used that title awhile back.
>
> Jeff(bigtikidude)
>
>
> --- In , "obmosquito"
<obmosquito@c...>
> wrote:
> > Hey, thanks for the great review Ivan! We're not worthy!
> >
> > I should clarify that our ex-guitarist George actually plays
lead
> on Axis of Evil, Siouxnami,
> > Dead Sea Stroll and Dreamsicle. He does the Strat Aqua Velvety
type
> stuff, I do the rest of
> > the Jag leads. He is great, and a great songwriter too,
especially
> for a guy that doesn't
> > know a whole lot about surf. He probably has never even heard
the
> AV's ;-). Were still
> > good friends and he may do some ghostwriting for us behind the
> scenes which would be
> > cool. But Joe Marencic our new Strat guy fills in seemlessly.
Joe
> is actually a little edgier
> > style of player too, so he adds that to the sound as well.
> >
> > BTW- the local DC classic rock DJ "Cerphe" has been spinning our
> stuff as well as the
> > Cossacks lately during the breaks. You have to listen very
closley
> sometimes to hear the
> > short clips, but it's kinda cool to hear local surf on
mainstream
> radio.
> >
> > Paul
> > aToMic mOsQuiTos
