This audio is taken from my performance with The Madeira aboard the "Vista King" in Milwaukee for a surf cruise with The Revomatics August 2, 2014.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Insect Surfers "Tiger Shark"
There's a backlog of entries I've been meaning to post. First up, video from my performance with the Insect Surfers at last year's (2014) Instro Summit.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Creative Loafing article on the Southern Surf Stomp
Original source may be found here.
Chad Shivers has his finger of the pulse of the Atlanta surf scene.
Outside of Southern California, the Atlanta surf scene might be one of
the strongest in the nation, despite the majority of residents remaining
unaware of its existence. It’s slightly off the beaten path and out of
sight from even the most discerning music fan, but there’s a community
of people here who are wildly devoted to music that was left for dead.
The resurrection is somewhat slow, but surf is on the rise again in
Atlanta.
Getting into surf music 20 years ago after hearing a Ventures song at a house party, Shivers formed his first surf group, the Squares, almost immediately thereafter. From there, he founded Sorry No Ferrari — not surf, but instrumental nonetheless — and most recently progressive surf band Moonbase. He’s also a member of the Mystery Men?, who are a staple of the Atlanta surf scene. In early 2014, he started the Southern Surf Stomp, a monthly surf showcase at Kavarna in Oakhurst. In the surf community, both in Atlanta and nationally, Shivers is helping to usher in a resurgence of the genre.
Shivers invited me into his home to talk about the music while he made BBQ, something he’s also quite good at.
Surf music feels like something that its fans keep in their back pocket. Surf fans have a deeply personal relationship with the genre, its bands, and the scene at large. What is it that resonates
with you?
Just as much as the music, I think it's community. It has that punk rock idealism, but without a lot of the pretense. You don't have to be or look a certain way. It's fun music and you can choose to push it or not. So many variables, but they're all legitimate.
After being killed by the British Invasion in 1964, surf music made a resurgence in the '90s with bands such as Los Straitjackets and Man or Astro-man? and has maintained an underground status. Why such a devoted yet small following?
I think it's small and devoted, and I'm not trying to sound pitiful, because we're all each other has. We don’t have a big following except each other and it’s very insular. It’s not by our own device, but it’s just an outlier in most people’s tastes.
There's also a lot of cool stuff you can grasp onto with surf music; there's a lot of history and, I hate to say it, but gear is a big component. By its nature, the music has to be more technical because you're playing all of your melodies on guitars or another melodic that's not voice. I think people can grasp on to whatever they want to with surf. I was having a discussion with Eddie Angel of Los Straitjackets for the podcast and brought up the fact that they wear Mexican wrestling masks when they play. He mentioned that that helps because people don't want to see middle-aged guys play surf music. I think that's why people like it, because anyone can play it — it's not a young man's game or an old man's game, it's everybody's game.
I also think there's a great parallel in heavy metal. Surf might not have the same youth appeal, but it’s technically proficient, very gear based, very community based. A lot of surf players come from metal.
To me, Dick Dale sounds like metal much of the time. And Metallica, specifically Kirk Hammett, is clearly indebted to Dick Dale.
And Dick Dale will tell you he's responsible for metal (laughs).
The Southeast seems to have a growing, if not flourishing surf scene centered around Atlanta with the Drive-Invasion, the Clarkston Surf Fest, and other regular events. Can you talk some about Atlanta’s relationship with surf?
The South in general, not just Atlanta, has a great scene. Austin, Texas has a great surf scene with a monthly surf show that they do. Tons of bands, great bands. North Carolina has a great scene.
Alabama has historically had a great scene, which leads me to Atlanta. We've had some heavy hitters in Atlanta, but by proxy of Alabama. Originally, Man, or Astro-man? was based in Alabama and kind of moved to Atlanta. And also, the Penetrators — that’s what we all rally around in Atlanta. I don't think there would be an Atlanta surf scene without those guys. They started in the early '90s and carried the torch for Atlanta.
Where do you see Atlanta’s surf scene right now?
I'm very happy with the Atlanta surf scene. I think it's great, I think it's growing, and I think it has a lot of potential. But I have realistic expectations; I don't think it's going to be the next big thing, but I think if people get in on the secret, they're going to want to be a part of it. We have amazing bands. We have The Surge, El Capitan is now active again, Gemini XIII, my bands MOONBASE and the Mystery Men?. Not to toot my own horn too much, but I think the Mystery Men? have kind of picked up where the Penetrators left off with The Stomp and touring California. That's why I wanted to start this, to showcase the talent.
Clarkston Surf Fest, which turned into Douglasville Surf Fest, drew a bunch of bands from out of town to Atlanta. That definitely helps put bands on the map. Drive-Invasion maybe a little less so, because we always get the side stage. But, historically, it has been good; Los Straitjackets have played, Man, or Astro-man? played. There was a whole surf stage [there] in 2013. Having a central focus to these festivals is really helpful to the scene because we all meet each other and become friends. Again, there’s a lot of patting each other on the back, but I think that’s great because we’re all encouraging each other. It’s like a family reunion every time we have fests.
Festivals are a good opportunity for a general audience to get an introduction to something as specific as surf because people can find something they identify with. They can jump around between stages. These types of festivals build community and raise the music's profile.
Right.
Let’s talk about the Southern Surf Stomps. They’ve existed for a little over a year now and are fully booked for the next several months. What are they? What prompted you to start doing them?
It’s a monthly surf show. My goal is to get one local, one regional or national surf group, and one non surf group to bring in different audiences. Most people don’t want to listen to three surf bands play all night, sometimes even myself. I think it creates a different environment and a different experience. We try to do little things each show to make it more than just a show, such as booking a DJ, doing a podcast to promote it, and keeping a blog. We do highlight videos after the shows that get a lot of compliments. It brings attention to our little scene and to what we’re doing.
I started doing these because we have some many great bands here and I thought this was the next logical step to bring different acts here, showcase all of that, and show people how cool Atlanta’s surf scene is, even historically.
Kavarna is an interesting choice for a venue for the Stomps since most of our “rock” music in the city feels rooted in the East Atlanta, Little 5, and Poncey-Highland neighborhoods. Why Kavarna?
The reason we chose Kavarna is because my friend Greg Germani used to put on these great country shows. He used to bring great bands from Nashville. I went to see Chris Scruggs play and it was a really great vibe, a really great experience. I had played Kavarna, but not in an ideal setting. When we were looking for places to do the Stomps, it would have been a difficult sell to clubs, so we went with Kavarna because they’re more open to different ideas and something that they can book monthly as long as they have patrons. I’ve been surprised with the turnouts because at our Crazy Aces show [in February] we had over 100 people.
People have responded really well. I think people like the atmosphere. We talked earlier about surf being an Everyman’s game. Anyone is welcome, they can bring kids, and it’s not just people at a bar. People are there to see the music and have a good time, which everyone gets and responds well to. It’s a different kind of vibe. Is it for everyone? Probably not, but I enjoy it, even going to shows there I enjoy.
Where do you see it going in the future?
I have a lot of ideas. From the start, my goal has been to set the bar high, but the expectations low. Aim for the stars, but don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out. It’s funny, many people in the surf community, and maybe even myself, didn’t think we could do this, we didn’t think it would happen, we didn’t think people would come, and we didn’t think we could get all the bands. We’re pretty surprised and encouraged.
As far as big goals, I’d like to get some more national names in, I’d like to get a West Coast group to play, we’d like to build a festival centered around the Stomp, which we’re working on. I’d like to do little things like a webcast of the show, so people can watch from home around the country. We’ve had people come from Kentucky, we regularly have people come from Athens and Augusta, people have come from Florida, Nashville, Alabama, all over the place.
A really crazy goal I have is to expand it to other cities. I’m in discussions with someone now about doing a Southern Surf Stomp somewhere else. One reason I want to do that is that you look at '50s and '60s music, and they had a circuit. Now, if you’re a band, you go on tour and just hope for the best. I think if you have an established thing once a month that’s not overcrowding, you have more incentive for bands to come out from further, potentially make a little more money, and play to bigger audiences.
What defines surf music? On the surface it seems clear: surf beat, reverby guitar, single note leads, generally instrumental, often space themed. But the genre feels more nuanced than that. You have argued that the Ventures aren’t actually a surf band, but, instead, an instrumental band. If this is the case, what makes a surf band?
I think you got it. The defining factor is reverb. I’m sure there are surf bands that don’t play with reverb, but I just don’t know any. Again, I’ll draw a parallel to heavy metal. It’s like a metal band that doesn’t play with distortion. It can happen — I think it does happen, but it doesn’t really fit the character of the music.
What are the three most essential surf albums? How about the most quintessential album from an Atlanta surf band, if those categories don’t overlap.
Hands down, the Penetrators Locked and Loaded is the quintessential, defining Atlanta surf album. You could argue Man, or Astro-man in there, too. [Nationally] Space Cossacks Tsar Wars, from the first wave, Eddie and the Showmen's Squad Car, and, most recently, it’s between Crazy Aces' Surfadelic Spy-a-Go-Go or Barbwires' Sea Rider.
There are waves to surf music?
Yes.
Chad Shivers' Southern Surf Stomp channels the past, present, and future of Atlanta's Surf Scene
Posted by Sean Zearfoss on Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 3:42 PM
 |
| Jamie Galatas |
Getting into surf music 20 years ago after hearing a Ventures song at a house party, Shivers formed his first surf group, the Squares, almost immediately thereafter. From there, he founded Sorry No Ferrari — not surf, but instrumental nonetheless — and most recently progressive surf band Moonbase. He’s also a member of the Mystery Men?, who are a staple of the Atlanta surf scene. In early 2014, he started the Southern Surf Stomp, a monthly surf showcase at Kavarna in Oakhurst. In the surf community, both in Atlanta and nationally, Shivers is helping to usher in a resurgence of the genre.
Shivers invited me into his home to talk about the music while he made BBQ, something he’s also quite good at.
Surf music feels like something that its fans keep in their back pocket. Surf fans have a deeply personal relationship with the genre, its bands, and the scene at large. What is it that resonates
with you?
Just as much as the music, I think it's community. It has that punk rock idealism, but without a lot of the pretense. You don't have to be or look a certain way. It's fun music and you can choose to push it or not. So many variables, but they're all legitimate.
After being killed by the British Invasion in 1964, surf music made a resurgence in the '90s with bands such as Los Straitjackets and Man or Astro-man? and has maintained an underground status. Why such a devoted yet small following?
I think it's small and devoted, and I'm not trying to sound pitiful, because we're all each other has. We don’t have a big following except each other and it’s very insular. It’s not by our own device, but it’s just an outlier in most people’s tastes.
There's also a lot of cool stuff you can grasp onto with surf music; there's a lot of history and, I hate to say it, but gear is a big component. By its nature, the music has to be more technical because you're playing all of your melodies on guitars or another melodic that's not voice. I think people can grasp on to whatever they want to with surf. I was having a discussion with Eddie Angel of Los Straitjackets for the podcast and brought up the fact that they wear Mexican wrestling masks when they play. He mentioned that that helps because people don't want to see middle-aged guys play surf music. I think that's why people like it, because anyone can play it — it's not a young man's game or an old man's game, it's everybody's game.
I also think there's a great parallel in heavy metal. Surf might not have the same youth appeal, but it’s technically proficient, very gear based, very community based. A lot of surf players come from metal.
To me, Dick Dale sounds like metal much of the time. And Metallica, specifically Kirk Hammett, is clearly indebted to Dick Dale.
And Dick Dale will tell you he's responsible for metal (laughs).
The Southeast seems to have a growing, if not flourishing surf scene centered around Atlanta with the Drive-Invasion, the Clarkston Surf Fest, and other regular events. Can you talk some about Atlanta’s relationship with surf?
The South in general, not just Atlanta, has a great scene. Austin, Texas has a great surf scene with a monthly surf show that they do. Tons of bands, great bands. North Carolina has a great scene.
Alabama has historically had a great scene, which leads me to Atlanta. We've had some heavy hitters in Atlanta, but by proxy of Alabama. Originally, Man, or Astro-man? was based in Alabama and kind of moved to Atlanta. And also, the Penetrators — that’s what we all rally around in Atlanta. I don't think there would be an Atlanta surf scene without those guys. They started in the early '90s and carried the torch for Atlanta.
Where do you see Atlanta’s surf scene right now?
I'm very happy with the Atlanta surf scene. I think it's great, I think it's growing, and I think it has a lot of potential. But I have realistic expectations; I don't think it's going to be the next big thing, but I think if people get in on the secret, they're going to want to be a part of it. We have amazing bands. We have The Surge, El Capitan is now active again, Gemini XIII, my bands MOONBASE and the Mystery Men?. Not to toot my own horn too much, but I think the Mystery Men? have kind of picked up where the Penetrators left off with The Stomp and touring California. That's why I wanted to start this, to showcase the talent.
Clarkston Surf Fest, which turned into Douglasville Surf Fest, drew a bunch of bands from out of town to Atlanta. That definitely helps put bands on the map. Drive-Invasion maybe a little less so, because we always get the side stage. But, historically, it has been good; Los Straitjackets have played, Man, or Astro-man? played. There was a whole surf stage [there] in 2013. Having a central focus to these festivals is really helpful to the scene because we all meet each other and become friends. Again, there’s a lot of patting each other on the back, but I think that’s great because we’re all encouraging each other. It’s like a family reunion every time we have fests.
Festivals are a good opportunity for a general audience to get an introduction to something as specific as surf because people can find something they identify with. They can jump around between stages. These types of festivals build community and raise the music's profile.
Right.
Let’s talk about the Southern Surf Stomps. They’ve existed for a little over a year now and are fully booked for the next several months. What are they? What prompted you to start doing them?
It’s a monthly surf show. My goal is to get one local, one regional or national surf group, and one non surf group to bring in different audiences. Most people don’t want to listen to three surf bands play all night, sometimes even myself. I think it creates a different environment and a different experience. We try to do little things each show to make it more than just a show, such as booking a DJ, doing a podcast to promote it, and keeping a blog. We do highlight videos after the shows that get a lot of compliments. It brings attention to our little scene and to what we’re doing.
I started doing these because we have some many great bands here and I thought this was the next logical step to bring different acts here, showcase all of that, and show people how cool Atlanta’s surf scene is, even historically.
Kavarna is an interesting choice for a venue for the Stomps since most of our “rock” music in the city feels rooted in the East Atlanta, Little 5, and Poncey-Highland neighborhoods. Why Kavarna?
The reason we chose Kavarna is because my friend Greg Germani used to put on these great country shows. He used to bring great bands from Nashville. I went to see Chris Scruggs play and it was a really great vibe, a really great experience. I had played Kavarna, but not in an ideal setting. When we were looking for places to do the Stomps, it would have been a difficult sell to clubs, so we went with Kavarna because they’re more open to different ideas and something that they can book monthly as long as they have patrons. I’ve been surprised with the turnouts because at our Crazy Aces show [in February] we had over 100 people.
People have responded really well. I think people like the atmosphere. We talked earlier about surf being an Everyman’s game. Anyone is welcome, they can bring kids, and it’s not just people at a bar. People are there to see the music and have a good time, which everyone gets and responds well to. It’s a different kind of vibe. Is it for everyone? Probably not, but I enjoy it, even going to shows there I enjoy.
Where do you see it going in the future?
I have a lot of ideas. From the start, my goal has been to set the bar high, but the expectations low. Aim for the stars, but don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out. It’s funny, many people in the surf community, and maybe even myself, didn’t think we could do this, we didn’t think it would happen, we didn’t think people would come, and we didn’t think we could get all the bands. We’re pretty surprised and encouraged.
As far as big goals, I’d like to get some more national names in, I’d like to get a West Coast group to play, we’d like to build a festival centered around the Stomp, which we’re working on. I’d like to do little things like a webcast of the show, so people can watch from home around the country. We’ve had people come from Kentucky, we regularly have people come from Athens and Augusta, people have come from Florida, Nashville, Alabama, all over the place.
A really crazy goal I have is to expand it to other cities. I’m in discussions with someone now about doing a Southern Surf Stomp somewhere else. One reason I want to do that is that you look at '50s and '60s music, and they had a circuit. Now, if you’re a band, you go on tour and just hope for the best. I think if you have an established thing once a month that’s not overcrowding, you have more incentive for bands to come out from further, potentially make a little more money, and play to bigger audiences.
What defines surf music? On the surface it seems clear: surf beat, reverby guitar, single note leads, generally instrumental, often space themed. But the genre feels more nuanced than that. You have argued that the Ventures aren’t actually a surf band, but, instead, an instrumental band. If this is the case, what makes a surf band?
I think you got it. The defining factor is reverb. I’m sure there are surf bands that don’t play with reverb, but I just don’t know any. Again, I’ll draw a parallel to heavy metal. It’s like a metal band that doesn’t play with distortion. It can happen — I think it does happen, but it doesn’t really fit the character of the music.
What are the three most essential surf albums? How about the most quintessential album from an Atlanta surf band, if those categories don’t overlap.
Hands down, the Penetrators Locked and Loaded is the quintessential, defining Atlanta surf album. You could argue Man, or Astro-man in there, too. [Nationally] Space Cossacks Tsar Wars, from the first wave, Eddie and the Showmen's Squad Car, and, most recently, it’s between Crazy Aces' Surfadelic Spy-a-Go-Go or Barbwires' Sea Rider.
There are waves to surf music?
Yes.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Looking forward to 2015, reflections on 2014
Personally, the first half of 2014 was difficult for my family with the loss of my father. I believe he would have been proud of my accomplishments within the past year. My father was integral to my musical development starting a young age. Recognizing my ear early on along with my elementary school music teacher, my parents were supportive of my joining the Atlanta Boys Choir even sending me abroad to perform, about which my dad bragged even into my adulthood. When I was in college, I was having a tough time of it not knowing exactly what path I should take when he suggested music. I went on to study classical guitar and was engaged and enthralled by the study of the guitar and music. My dad was quite a musician himself with a beautiful voice and knowledge of the keyboard and music theory. Singing of course with the family at Sandy Springs Baptist church where my grandfather was minister, he would later go on to study voice in college and sing barbershop, which he loved, with the Marietta Big Chicken Chorus.
At the beginning of 2014 I thought there to be no way it could exceed the previous year, but was happily mistaken. Last year was the point in time where my heroes became my peers. When I was in high school one of my best friends Morgan, drummer of the Squares, purchased Rhino's Cowabunga surf compilation box set and I remember hearing a certain tune in particular. It started with ambient bells and was slow, moody, and thoughtful and has resonated with me ever since. That piece was Insect Surfers' "Polaris" and last year I had the opportunity to play the song as a part of the band for Instro Summit. Still reeling from the experience, shortly after I got home I received an email from Ivan Pongracic of the Madeira asking if I would be willing to fill in for their rhythm guitarist, Patrick, on a river cruise in Milwaukee which of course I couldn't refuse. Ivan is one of my favorite guitarists of all time and Madeira is one of the top surf groups in the world. Both were experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life and am grateful for the opportunities. As if that weren't enough, MOONBASE were finally able to record and release our debut album "Creation Myths".
2013 found me serving a different role for me as producer for the very first time. 2014 found me serving yet an even more different role as promoter. What started as a simple question asking friends if they would be interested in attending or playing a monthly surf show here in Atlanta has grown into quite a success, pulling in what I believe to be an excellent number of patrons and some of the best bands not just that the South, but the entire country has to offer. Out of the show, the Southern Surf Stomp, has also emanated a blog, twitter feed, Facebook page, and podcast.
Honestly I don't know what this year will hold but have high hopes and expectations. I already have some excellent shows and plans for the Southern Surf Stomp. MOONBASE wishes to perform more out of town shows. Both The Mystery Men? and Jeffrey Bützer and the Bicycle Eaters expect to record. Of course I'd love to produce and fill in for more groups but will have to see just where the year takes me.
At the beginning of 2014 I thought there to be no way it could exceed the previous year, but was happily mistaken. Last year was the point in time where my heroes became my peers. When I was in high school one of my best friends Morgan, drummer of the Squares, purchased Rhino's Cowabunga surf compilation box set and I remember hearing a certain tune in particular. It started with ambient bells and was slow, moody, and thoughtful and has resonated with me ever since. That piece was Insect Surfers' "Polaris" and last year I had the opportunity to play the song as a part of the band for Instro Summit. Still reeling from the experience, shortly after I got home I received an email from Ivan Pongracic of the Madeira asking if I would be willing to fill in for their rhythm guitarist, Patrick, on a river cruise in Milwaukee which of course I couldn't refuse. Ivan is one of my favorite guitarists of all time and Madeira is one of the top surf groups in the world. Both were experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life and am grateful for the opportunities. As if that weren't enough, MOONBASE were finally able to record and release our debut album "Creation Myths".
2013 found me serving a different role for me as producer for the very first time. 2014 found me serving yet an even more different role as promoter. What started as a simple question asking friends if they would be interested in attending or playing a monthly surf show here in Atlanta has grown into quite a success, pulling in what I believe to be an excellent number of patrons and some of the best bands not just that the South, but the entire country has to offer. Out of the show, the Southern Surf Stomp, has also emanated a blog, twitter feed, Facebook page, and podcast.
Honestly I don't know what this year will hold but have high hopes and expectations. I already have some excellent shows and plans for the Southern Surf Stomp. MOONBASE wishes to perform more out of town shows. Both The Mystery Men? and Jeffrey Bützer and the Bicycle Eaters expect to record. Of course I'd love to produce and fill in for more groups but will have to see just where the year takes me.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Chad Shivers and the Silent Knights perform The Ventures and The Beach Boys Christmas albums 2014!
The Silent Knights are:
Chad Shivers (MOONBASE, The Mystery Men?, Bicycle Eaters) - lead guitar, vocals
"Little Saint" Nick Bazemore - lead vocals, guitar
David Northrip (the Fugitives) - vocals, guitar
Eric "The Talent" Balint (MOONBASE, Bicycle Eaters) - bells, percussion, keys
Matt Steadman - bass guitar
Sonny Harding (MOONBASE) - drums
The Jingle Belle dancers are Jessica Shivers (aka "Cherry") and Morgan "Mo" Bazemore.
Check out last year's performance:
*12/5 - Charleston, SC at the Tin Roof w/ Silver Bells. 9pm, $5, 21+.
*12/6 - Savannah, GA at the Wormhole. 10pm, more info at wormholebar.com.
12/13 - Decatur, GA at Kavarna w/ Caroline and the Ramblers, Fringe Factory DJ's. 8pm, $7, all ages.
12/18 - Marietta, GA at the Strand w/ Jeffrey Bützer/T.T. Mahony's Charlie Brown Christmas tribute, Jeffrey Bützer and the Bicycle Eaters. 8pm, $15, all ages.
12/19 - Anniston, AL at the Crimson Tiger w/ Kill, Baby...Kill! and many more. 8pm, $5, 21+.
12/20 - Birmingham, AL at the Syndicate Lounge w/ The Original Shake Charmers. 9pm, $10, all ages.
* with Sean Zearfoss (Small Reactions) on drums
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Surfrockmusic.com's "Creation Myths" review
"Review by: Justin Hayes
Remember that old Donny and Marie song from the 1970s - A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll?
Well, I have to give just deserts to the Osmond siblings for providing
me with a good way to describe a great band. MOONBASE is a little bit
surf and a little bit progressive rock. Better yet, this description is
from their Facebook page:
"MOONBASE is an instrumental rock band heavily influenced by the surf bands of the 60's, with progressive leanings."
Speaking of the 1960s and 1970s, MOONBASE would have set the world on fire back in those days, so it's no surprise they're well on their way to doing it now. Their debut album, Creation Myths, pays tribute to the early days of instro rock, then ups the ante by challenging the boundaries of our musical universe and our imaginations. Creation Myths delves into the realm of space. I'm talking deep space. Interstellar, intergalactic, cosmical, mind-blowing space. The kind that warps the space-time continuum of general relativity. Talk about myths of creation! This fearsome foursome are fundamentally fierce instrumentalists. Hey, maybe they're not myths of creation after all ... rather, MASTERS of creation. They're creating a unique and, at the same time, uniquely satisfying merging of sounds.
"MOONBASE is an instrumental rock band heavily influenced by the surf bands of the 60's, with progressive leanings."
Speaking of the 1960s and 1970s, MOONBASE would have set the world on fire back in those days, so it's no surprise they're well on their way to doing it now. Their debut album, Creation Myths, pays tribute to the early days of instro rock, then ups the ante by challenging the boundaries of our musical universe and our imaginations. Creation Myths delves into the realm of space. I'm talking deep space. Interstellar, intergalactic, cosmical, mind-blowing space. The kind that warps the space-time continuum of general relativity. Talk about myths of creation! This fearsome foursome are fundamentally fierce instrumentalists. Hey, maybe they're not myths of creation after all ... rather, MASTERS of creation. They're creating a unique and, at the same time, uniquely satisfying merging of sounds.
I love music that tweaks my imagination and gives birth to fantasies. I crave tunes that use my brain like it's a billiard ball, kicking it into the side pocket after two or three banks off the cushion. Creation Myths not only tweaked my imagination, the eleven instro tracks blew it in and out of the side pocket, off the table and launched it skyward.
You might be wondering if MOONBASE's latest offering had a pronounced impact on my psyche? Well, as a matter of fact, after listening to Creation Myths, my new goal in life is to travel to Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra. I can't think of more suitable locations to view the cosmos than Pluto's five moons. From there I will contemplate the mysteries of life and the myths and masters of creation.
As those commercials are prone to say, "Ah, but wait, there's more!" Twists, turns, stellar musicianship and interstellar tunes highlight Creation Myths. If you listen carefully enough, you'll hear an unusual sound. That sound will be the expansion of your mind.
Creation Myths features eleven tracks of instro excellence. I've picked a few tracks on which to elaborate. These tracks were scientifically chosen ... I rolled the dice. As is our custom, we don't review albums with B-Side type tracks. Every cut on Creation Myths is top quality, as in numero uno!
Segue - Tremolo aficionados are going to go nuts over Segue. Beautiful, ethereal and teeming with tremulous ecstasy, Segue is absolutely otherworldly. Imagine Segue's
tremolo emanating from a loudspeaker on Pluto's surface, pulsating like
smoke rings from the luscious lips of a lady smoker. Think of the
wonders that would await us if we could hop aboard those rings and ride
them all of the way to the sun. On average, Pluto is approximately 3.67
billion miles from the sun, so that would give us plenty of time and
space to meet Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon and Marvin the Martian. What an
incredible journey that would be! I'm sure Buck, Flash and Marvin would
want to join us on our journey if we cranked up Segue. Who can resist that tremolo?
Above Us Only Sky - I love these guys. Once again they treat us to some tremulous ecstasy. They know what the tremolo knob is and they know how to use it. Add a touch of distortion here and a dab of double picking there and you have one helluva terrific tune. Unique and refreshing, Above Us Only Sky is an expression of existence - you and me, our planet, the cosmos, what we know and all that we have to learn. Look, up in the sky .... it's surf ... it's space ... it's MOONBASE creating music from beyond the great void. Universe Music. Their own unique genre. I really want to say the following because they deserve the accolade: George, Eric, Sonny and Chad aren't cut from a mold. They think outside of the box. Kudos, guys!
(Walking) - MOONBASE may have encased this song title in parentheses, but (Walking) freed me from the surly, earthbound shackles that encased my mind and imagination. (Walking) enchants and beckons in a way that makes me wish I could survive the icy depths of space without a spacesuit or any other means of life support. I want to step through the cosmos and marvel at the vastness, aloneness and loneliness of infinity. Intergalactic imaginings abound as countless solar conflagrations remind me that man, woman, birth, death and infinity are the true constants of the universe.
Above Us Only Sky - I love these guys. Once again they treat us to some tremulous ecstasy. They know what the tremolo knob is and they know how to use it. Add a touch of distortion here and a dab of double picking there and you have one helluva terrific tune. Unique and refreshing, Above Us Only Sky is an expression of existence - you and me, our planet, the cosmos, what we know and all that we have to learn. Look, up in the sky .... it's surf ... it's space ... it's MOONBASE creating music from beyond the great void. Universe Music. Their own unique genre. I really want to say the following because they deserve the accolade: George, Eric, Sonny and Chad aren't cut from a mold. They think outside of the box. Kudos, guys!
(Walking) - MOONBASE may have encased this song title in parentheses, but (Walking) freed me from the surly, earthbound shackles that encased my mind and imagination. (Walking) enchants and beckons in a way that makes me wish I could survive the icy depths of space without a spacesuit or any other means of life support. I want to step through the cosmos and marvel at the vastness, aloneness and loneliness of infinity. Intergalactic imaginings abound as countless solar conflagrations remind me that man, woman, birth, death and infinity are the true constants of the universe.
What a treat this was! 43 minutes of mind-altering escapism. I'm a staunch subscriber to the belief that music should be experienced. And, brother, this is one heck of an experience! Creation Myths tweaked my mind and launched me into the cosmos."
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