Label: Tabu Recordings
According to The Jagaloons, as stated in their Bandcamp message. Their 3rd full-length album, Forbidden Words, is on the finest portable digital disc form factor humans have been able to produce in the past 45 years. I am listening to the sea blue translucent vinyl edition, which I believe is a mighty fine disc as well.
As depicted in the colorful album art of the ravenous headhunter, this suggests it is a boiling musical stew of instrumental surf rock. And that is exactly what you will hear.
“Disco Volante” kicks things off with a bit of intrigue and anticipation. The bass and drums are chugging along nicely, then a nice slice of tremolo comes in. The organ adds another element to the mix, patiently adding its own special touch in the background. The guitar goes down different roads, keeping the atmosphere of spy vs spy, albeit with plenty of twang and reverb.
“Huevos con Salchicha” brings on the twang of the western theme. It moves at a good tempo, then slows for a short while, then jumps back to a higher but subtle energy that this sub-genre is known for. Lots of rhythm and hooks grab you.
“The Goggles Do Nothing” continues that flavor from the last track with tremolo and reverb. The lead guitar cuts through the air with a polished elegance that my ears recognize. Along the way, there are bursts of energy and power, with the bottom end keeping things consistently strong so those guitar notes effortlessly float over the top.
“Forbidden Words” goes off in another direction, with a retro sound and some rapid picking, to remind you of the first wave of surf instro and why it was so important to the genre's core sound and building blocks. A jump back to the early 60s surf instro.
“Soggy
Bottoms” gives you a taste of their laid-back Tiki island sound. Tasteful
instrumentation at all levels here, and some good tremolo gives you yet another
dimension of their sound.
“Ghosts of the Sargasso” brings the energy level up several notches again, with the guitar taking the spotlight through rapid picking and resonant notes as the band comes together, reaching peaks of combined sound. The western/country influence, combined with twang, makes for a solid mix of colors.
“Red Sunrise” finishes side A with a flourish of instrumentation and a quick spotlight for the bass. Tremolo rules the day here, and it is done very well.
Side B opens with “Space Junk,” a step away from what you heard on the first side. The title hints at the change right away. Reverb and twang resonate fully as the sci-fi scenario develops within the music. This one is a straight-ahead rocker with plenty of tremolo periods, keeping it surf instro.
“Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker” reaches back to familiar ground with the spaghetti western fills as the guitar’s notes holler out to that MF! This is the music's color and drama, creating the necessary scenery. Tremolo is king once again, and I love it! The bass and drums are excellent as usual.
“The Rising Surf” is the only track under two minutes. You will hear something you will recognize at the beginning and throughout as they mix legendary tracks from the genre with their own style and changes. This is classic meets modern surf instro,
“Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch” is as western twang as it gets. I can see Clint Eastwood riding off into the sunset now. This is picturesque with the themes they are projecting resonating with my mind's eye. The guitar is excellent, and the bass and drums are always so tight and in sync, making it easy for the guitar to stand out.
“Under the Fiery Moon” is another throwback to the drip of the 60s. Soft notes with just enough twang as the bottom end is restrained enough, so the guitar still holds its place upfront with its sound. More tremolo to remind you once again how they own it.
“Don't Bother Me” begins like you might hear in a '50s pop song, with the organ arriving with that retro sound. The guitar is pumping out some ear-catching chords that won’t let go. The drums and bass pound out an irresistible chorus of rhythm as the guitar folds into it all with a bit of tremolo and memorable runs. Lots of crossover rock appeal on this one.
“Vacation” rounds out this set with their instrumental cover of The Go-Go’s hit. I thought that was an interesting way to end the album with a good dose of pop and sunshine. This also shows their diversity and abilities to switch it up quickly to keep a listener interested.
The Jagaloons have truly outdone themselves with Forbidden Words, delivering an album that shines on vinyl. The dynamic range of styles and influences ensures there’s never a dull moment, keeping listeners engaged from the opening track to the closing notes. By building on classic surf instrumental foundations and weaving in their distinct flair and genre-bending touches, the band serves up a vibrant, memorable collection that stands out in the modern surf scene.
Credits:
Geoff
Kelley - Drums
Kurt
Stegemann - Guitars
Josh Welf - Bass
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
March 5, 2026
Tracks:
Side A:
01. Disco Volante 4:00
02. Huevos con Salchicha 2:43
03. The Goggles Do Nothing 2:30
04. Forbidden Words 2:25
05. Soggy Bottoms 2:27
06. Ghosts of the Sargasso 1:57
07. Red Sunrise 2:02
Side B:
08. Space Junk 2:22
09. Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker 2:30
10. The Rising Surf 1:43
11. Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch 2:24
12. Under the Fiery Moon 2:31
13. Don't Bother Me 3:09
