Surf Instrumental Holiday Review: Agent Octopus-Christmas On The Pier EP

 Release Date: December 17, 2021

Label: Independent

Website

Is it always a good time to hear Christmas music? Well, maybe for some folks. If you enjoy surf instrumental music and some seasonal favorites done with the surf flair and color, then you are in luck.

Agent Octopus is sure to cure those winter blues and the bah-humbugs with their Christmas On The Pier 4-track EP.

“Christmas on the Pier” instantly creates a light, airy atmosphere with soft tones and resonant notes. The rhythm section is right on cue, and the rhythm guitar is an added layer. Keyboards are the final ingredient in making this a complete track of snowy joy.

“Surf Child of Light (Silent Night)” is the twangiest “Silent Night” tribute you may have yet to hear. Many of its transitions stand out while preserving the core melody. The guitars have a resonant tone that captures the holiday spirit. Kind of like rockin’ around the Christmas tree fun! Excellent musicianship, as I have come to expect from this band.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy” is an interesting one as it starts off with a “Secret Agent Man” riff, then quickly transforms into their own unique blend of tasty traditional treats. Halfway through, what’s that I hear? The James Bond theme? This band often includes short tributes in their songs, which I always appreciate.

“O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)” closes this EP with a solid stretch at 4:03. Not your typical surf-instrumental workout, but then none of these tracks are. But that is the point here: present some traditional holiday music that still appeals to their audience. Very tasteful guitar lines are laid down as the bass and drums are quietly doing their job in the background to let the six-string magic take hold.

Whether you’re still bundled up in the snowy Northeast or soaking up the sun somewhere warm, these surf-inspired holiday tracks can transport you right back to the festive season. It’s easy to imagine swapping snow boots for flip-flops and celebrating Christmas with sand between your toes. No matter where you are, Agent Octopus proves that surf-instrumental music brings holiday cheer all year round.

Credits:

Art Svrjcek - lead/rhythm guitars/keys on 3 & 4

Jim Colby - bass/rhythm guitars

Jason Mendelson - additional guitars on Christmas on the Pier

Mike Jarjoura - keyboards on Christmas on the Pier

Drums - Gio Maucieri & Jason Deatherage

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 16, 2026

Tracks:

1. Christmas on the Pier 02:40

2. Surf Child of Light (Silent Night) 03:52

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Spy 02:39

4. O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) 04:03

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Del Sotos-Self Titled

 Release Date: November 12, 2021

Label: Altered State of Reverb

Website

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

Surf Music and Art Top 2025 Albums

These are the best surf rock instrumental albums I heard in 2025—and trust me, narrowing it down was brutal. Each one brings something exceptional to the table, from scorching guitar work to hypnotic rhythms that’ll transport you straight to the beach. Whether you’re a longtime surf rock devotee or just curious about what makes this genre so addictive, you’re in for a treat. I’ve included the essentials below, but the full reviews dive deep into what makes each album unforgettable. Don’t just take my word for it—click through and discover your next obsession. 

*Each review includes the Bandcamp player to stream the albums*

#1. Frankie and The Pool Boys - Endless Drummer

Endless Drummer is a marvelous trip in the way-back sound machine with stellar modern-day production values. The best of both worlds collide for a fantastic and consistent album. My interest did not fade while listening to all 15 tracks. My interest and attention intensified.

Read The Review and Listen To The Interview

#2. Las Arañas del Neptuno-Ride The Madam Psychosis Radio Waves

One can never say this brand of surf instro is simplistic; it is quite the opposite. Ride The Madam Psychosis Radio Waves is one of the best surf instro albums of 2025!

Viva! Las Arañas del Neptuno.

Read The Review

#3.  The Fathoms-Hard To Fathom 

Hard To Fathom is a superb recording and a fantastic return to form after a protracted absence. Let’s hope this is the beginning of another chapter in the history of one of the greatest surf instro bands of all time.

Read The Review

#4. The Woodhavens-Barkada

They are a band with a unique blend of surf-instrumental music and culture, telling you straight away who they are and how it relates to their music.

Read The Review

#5. Los Straitjackets-Somos  

Somos is a satisfying return to form for Los Straitjackets. Lovers of instrumental rock will appreciate this recording. It’s solid and consistent from start to finish.

Read The Review