Surf Rock Instrumental Vinyl Review: The Aloha Joes- It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes (Ocean Blue EP LP)

Release Date: December 7, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Welcome to the “Official Surf Band of the U.S.A”, The Aloha Joes. The cover would be indicative of such a statement!

When I looked at the image and title, It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes EP immediately made me see past comic books flash by, featuring Jughead and Veronica. I remember seeing them on the rack, but I chose only the superheroes, such as Iron Man. I needed to clarify that because, from a little boy’s eyes, those comics looked too girly to me!

The cover illustration portrays the first wave: the beach party with the band and everyone dancing, where it all started with this music.

This ocean-blue LP EP features five tracks on one side. Sorry, no fancy etching on the back; it’s not necessary when you can deliver the goods for surf instro.

“Tabletoppin” starts with the sound of the ocean, and we are off and running with a fast pace, some tremolo licks, twang, and reverb. The rhythm is catchy as the drums (heavy on cymbals), and the bass is cranking at a high level. Then the guitar really takes off through several transitions, bouncing between surf and rock licks, and then ends abruptly.

“Couple’s Skate” features a different motif, with the guitar sounding more bluesy, with surf-rock lingering along the edges. This is more of a rock-oriented track for a while before taking the off-ramp to the surf instro lane. It’s a hook-filled dandy that will stick with you.

“Pickle the Beast” is a goofy track title, and there is a little introduction where two voices come in before it launches into full-on surf rocker. Meaty chords hit you like that perfect wave before it changes course again into a softer guitar run, then back to the higher-level tempo and heavier sound. More talking at the end wraps it up (you’ll have to listen to find out what they say).

“Knuckle Sandwich” is a quick, compact shot clocking in at under two minutes. I appreciate how a band can pack so much music into such a short period. They manage to cross over into several tempos and textures in this track, and it’s non-stop rockin’ fun.

“Midnight Snack” closes out this much-too-short foray into surf-rock instrumental nirvana. Yet another change in direction gives it that “The Munsters” soundtrack feel. All the fun happens at midnight, and after that, you know. Well, they prove it on this one. This is my favorite track, and I think it’s their best. They really let it fly on this one and explode into a real rocker! It was refreshing to hear them switch from a slower, surf-like tempo to a full-on cranking rocker.

Being diverse with your music within one genre always makes things more interesting, and The Aloha Joes seem to have it down to a science, and this EP is a tasty addition to their catalog.

Here is the kicker: you can get the vinyl EP in ocean blue or sunset orange for $10. That is a bargain for the excellent slice of surf and rock tracks you are going to enjoy.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 8, 2026

Tracks:

1. Tabletoppin’ 02:11

2. Couple’s Skate 03:07

3. Pickle the Beast 02:37

4. Knuckle Sandwich 01:58

5. Midnight Snack 03:30

Surf Rock Instrumental Track Review: The Jagaloons-I Touch Myself

    Release Date: February 5, 2026

         Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

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I remember the song and the steamy video of the lead singer of The Divinyls, Chrissy Amphlett, singing “I Touch Myself” from their self-titled release in 1991. I think it was a great album and underrated.

There is nothing like a good cover to spark renewed interest in a band. The Jagaloons have done that with their own version of the track. There are some differences in sound and product presentation, of course.

Just in time for the next big holiday and all you sweethearts out there, they are releasing the song on a 7” heart-shaped flex format.

Yes, there is still significant creativity and novelty to explore in music, and the surf instro genre is well known for that. That is one of many reasons why I love the music and the community.

The track has a nice sound and follows the original, with some additional touches of surf to keep the band’s reputation intact as one of the premier surf rock instrumental bands.

“I Touch Myself” features strong sounds that evoke memories of music and a provocative form of self-love ignited by another. However you look at it, this is a great track, brought back to life by The Jagaloons, and worth your attention.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 7, 2026

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Review: Various Artists-Four By Four Compilation-7” Blue Vinyl

 Release Date: February 9, 2026

Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

Colorado Instrumental Fanzine continues its fine coverage of the surf instrumental genre and community with one-of-a-kind vinyl releases available with their quarterly issues.

This time, we have the Four By Four Compilation, with two tracks on each side, available on iceberg blue or octopus ink black 7” vinyl.

Side A starts with Mark Malibu & The Wasagas with “Great Lake Surfer.” This is a great tune with a retro sound. The guitar’s clear, crisp tones are full of reverb, and the drums and bass are strong, with the beat we have all become accustomed to hearing.

The guitar’s leads are transitioning with a steady, consistent flow. As the sound shifts back and forth, you are transported back to the 60s, where it all began. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia and how it’s been preserved while keeping the sound fresh and modern with today’s recording techniques.

Humanga Danga is up next with “Red Desert Rampage.” Featuring the rapid tremolo picking and the echoing second layer of guitar. The sounds shift suddenly, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor and a quicker tempo. The guitar work is intricate, rhythmic, and unrelenting.  A very atmospheric track with rich color and cinematic excitement.

Sys Malakian kicks off side B with “Idilio.” Sys is a respected community member and Zine reviewer. His sound is idyllic for the lovers of the surf instro genre. He expertly blends traditional and modern sounds into his music. This is one example of his dexterity on the six-string. This is a fast mover, with the guitar’s subtle intricacies highlighted throughout.  It is like getting into the wayback machine in a modern studio setting. The replication of the classic surf sound is a specialty for Sys, and that is why he has such respect from fellow musicians and listeners alike.

The Terra Surfers close out this slice of vinyl with “Solar Vortex.” It begins with small steps to an eventual sound that gives it a mysterious sci-fi feel, which is the intent here. Being a vortex is an “out there” thing when one imagines it in the mind’s eye. The guitar’s resonant tones and layered effect, along with crashing cymbals and a thumping bass, hold you spellbound from start to finish. A great musical climax to close the curtain on this short trip around the world of surf instro.

Four By Four delivers everything that makes surf instrumental music essential: masterful musicianship, limited-edition vinyl pressed in iceberg blue or octopus ink black, stunning artwork, and four distinct artists each commanding their own vision of the genre. From retro reverence to sci-fi experimentation, this compilation captures the full spectrum of modern surf rock. If you’re serious about the genre, this is mandatory listening—don’t let this one slip away.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art

February 3, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Great Lake Surfer-Mark Malibu & The Wasagas 2:56                          

2. Red Desert Rampage-Humanga Danga 2:57  

Side B:

1. Sys Malakian-Idilio 2:50                                            

2. Solar Vortex-The Terra Surfers 2:50