Label: Altered State of
Reverb
Del Sotos are an instrumental surf rock band from Moscow, Russia. They’ve been active since 2011, playing classic-style surf music with reverb-heavy guitars, twangy tones, and a fun, retro vibe inspired by 1960s surf rock (think Dick Dale or The Ventures, but with their own Russian twists).
The band is led by guitarist Roman Sokolov, who reached out to me to share this self-titled release.
The internet makes the world smaller, and this is a perfect example of that! To hear from a band so far away is always such a welcome treat.
“Sweet Girls of St. Petersburg” gets the party started. Right away, I recognized the excellent separation of instruments, allowing listeners to hear the entire band and each instrument individually. I have always appreciated strong production values like that because I listen that way all the time; it helps me appreciate all positions in a band. A great opener with good energy and flair for the retro surf instro sound!
“Reverboard” is their fast mover, coming in just under two minutes. After reading what they were about, I have to say the description is spot on. They are inspired by the progenitors of the genre, like Dale and The Ventures, and this track is a shining example of that sound.
“Yessentuki Number 17 (Sparkling Water)” starts off with, you guessed it, a glass of water being poured (nope, not a wave this time!). Continuing their consistent approach, you will again notice how each instrument stands out with a clear, crisp sound. Cymbals are crashing on this one (a large glass of water?). This is a real mover and a look back at the roots of this music. Their focus is intended to be that way, and they do it all very well.
“Gift Gun” transitions to a different sound with strummed guitar, then the lead comes in with a spaghetti western color and atmosphere. Then they increase the tempo, and it becomes more complex. This is one of my favorites. I loved the scenario they created.
“Moscow River Coast” uses diverse guitar techniques and effective tremolo and reverb. Here, they sound like a modern band, taking bits and pieces of yesteryear and adding their own stamp, creating a real rocker. Loved the non-stop energy as the guitar weaves in and out, and the bass and drums follow beautifully.
“Music for Lap Dancers” is a title you wouldn’t expect on a surf instro album, yet it still carries elements of the genre. I would refer to it as more of a rock instrumental, though. Good work for a nice change in flow.
“Late” is the longest stretch on the album at 3:31. Once again, they change the tempo and in and out of transitions over to some quick picking in between and around the edges. This is very atmospheric, with a surfy edge. Very tasteful guitar notes with measured bottom end.
“Salt Waves” brings the energy level back up to their core retro sound. It’s like saying “The last one was for relaxing and watching the waves,” but this one will make you want to go buy a vintage surf record from one of the ’60s bands! Great guitar work, as you have come to expect on every track.
“Moon Lover” cranks up the energy level another notch, especially with the drums and bass, and then the Hammond organ arrives in all its glory. That sound is always so distinct, adding another element that changes any song. This is the prime mover so far!
“Step to Me” carries a great deal of rhythm and excellent guitar work, with variable tones and an exceptional foundation from the bass and drums. It’s a real toe-tapper, which many of these tracks are. The mood is bright, and the musicianship is spot on.
“Surfing Аround Fort Boyard” gets a little heavier with some superb tremolo work. This is a great way to close out this recording with some high, colorful energy. The power of the music is on display, and their sound is amazing and so addictive!
The Del Sotos release may be celebrating their fifth year in 2026, but what truly matters is how their music transcends time. I felt like I had one foot in the past and one in the present day, which isn’t easily achieved.
Each track combines a dynamic feel with a nod to classic surf rock. Their musicianship—brilliant guitar lines, powerhouse bass, and forceful drums—sets a new standard for what current surf instro can achieve. This album doesn’t just revisit the genre’s roots; it reinvents them, proving Del Sotos are a force that can’t be ignored.
Credits:
All music & arrangements by Del Sotos, except 11: music by Paul Koulak, arrangement by Del Sotos
Roman
Sokolov - guitar
Dmitry
Andreev - bass guitar
Nick
Radchenkov - drums
Alexey Blohin - Hammond organ (9)
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
February 15, 2026
Tracks:
01. Sweet Girls of St. Petersburg 2:28
02. Reverboard 1:57
03. Yessentuki Number 17 (Sparkling Water) 2:00
04. Gift Gun 2:15
05. Moscow River Coast 2:53
06. Music for Lap Dancers 2:02
07. Late 3:31
08. Salt Waves 2:51
09. Moon Lover 2:53
10. Step to Me 2:48
11. Surfing Аround Fort Boyard 2:34
