Surf Music and Art And How It All Connects

Music and art are and have always been connected. Each genre creates its own aesthetic and legacy.  One of the most colorful is the surf instrumental genres. While it has changed over the years, its appeal has remained directly tied to music and embraced by a worldwide fanbase. Surfboards, ocean waves, sunny California beaches, Woodies, tanned, vibrant youth, it all comes together into one musical and artistic fruition.

The recorded music also breaks down into subgenres.  There are the traditional surf (the first wave) sounds that have changed over the decades, with the addition of stronger rock elements, psychedelia, and special effects, then surf as a base with an island tiki or hot rod flavor, then off into sci-fi, surf punk, surf rock, surf psych, and numerous branches that grew from the tree. It is not unlike other genres that have grown in popularity; the colorful artwork associated with the music, along with the general fun and carefree spirit, makes it special for listeners and collectors.

It is all on the wonderful and varied palette of art, culture, and music. People from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe, can create music and art. It’s all about community, common interests, and supporting those artists who make it all happen.

The Visual Wave: Art and the Surf Instrumental Genre

Since its explosion in the early 1960s, surf instrumental music has never been just about the sound. It is a multisensory subculture where the “reverb-drenched” guitar licks of Dick Dale and the Ventures are inseparable from a specific visual lexicon. This connection between art and audio helped define the “California Myth”—a cocktail of sun, adrenaline, and kitsch.

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1. The Aesthetic of the Album Cover

In the 1960s, the album sleeve was the primary canvas for the genre. Unlike vocal pop, surf instrumentals had to convey a narrative without lyrics. Art played a functional role in "selling the splash."

• Action Photography: Early covers focused on "surf-realism," featuring high-contrast photography of surfers dropping into massive waves (e.g., Surfer's Choice by Dick Dale).
• The "Woodie" and the Beach: Illustrative art often featured the "Woodie" station wagon and beach scenes, establishing a nomadic, carefree lifestyle.
• Typography: The use of "bamboo" fonts or bold, jagged lettering mimicked the energy of a breaking wave or the "staccato" picking style of the music.

2. Kustom Kulture and Hot Rod Art

Surf music and Hot Rod culture were siblings in the 1960s. The art of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth—creator of Rat Fink—deeply influenced the genre's visual identity.

• Lowbrow Art: The exaggerated, grotesque, and colorful "Lowbrow" art style became a staple for surf posters and later "surf-punk" revivals.
• Pinstriping: The intricate line work found on custom surfboards and cars mirrored the precision and "cool" of the instrumental arrangements.

3. Tiki Culture and Exotica

Surf instrumental music often borrowed from "Exotica" (pioneered by Martin Denny). This brought a heavy dose of Polynesian Pop art into the mix.

• Tiki Masks and Totems: This imagery added a sense of mystery and "otherworldliness" to the music, connecting the suburban California teenager to a fictionalized, tropical paradise.
• Mid-Century Modernism: The clean lines and geometric shapes of 1960s graphic design are often found in the layouts of surf concert flyers and lounge-influenced surf bands.

4. The 1990s Revival and "Surf-Noir"

When surf music saw a resurgence in the 1990s (partly due to Pulp Fiction), the art evolved. It became grittier and more cinematic.

• B-Movie Aesthetics: Modern surf bands like The Ghastly Ones or Man or Astro-man? leaned into horror and sci-fi art, using comic-book style illustrations and retro-futurism to complement their "spooky" surf sound.

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Key Figures and Movements

Movement	Key Elements	Influence on Music
Surfer Magazine Art	Rick Griffin’s "Murphy" cartoon	Defined the "surf bum" persona.
Pop Art	Bright colors, high contrast	Translated the "energy" of the Pacific into a visual format.
Psychedelia	Warped lettering, neon palettes	Influenced the late 60s "fuzz-surf" era.

Comparison of Visual Styles

Era	Key Art Style	Influence on Sound
1960s	Surf-Realism & "Murphy"	Energetic, "wet" reverb, clean production.
1970s/80s	Lowbrow / Punk DIY	Distorted, fast-paced "skate-surf."
1990s–Present	"Surf-Noir" & Sci-Fi	Moody, cinematic, and experimental.

Sources & References

• SFO Museum – Surf’s Up! Instrumental Rock: A comprehensive look at the history of the "first wave" of instrumentals and their cultural impact. Visit Exhibition Site
• Rick Griffin Designs – Official Biography: Details the career of the most influential artist in surf history and his transition from Surfer magazine to rock posters. Explore Biography
• RetroSupply – Retro Surf Art & Design: An analysis of the typography, color palettes, and Polynesian influences that defined the 1960s surf aesthetic. Read Article
• Surfing Walk of Fame – Rick Griffin Profile: A look at how Griffin's artwork helped define the "Grommet" culture and early surf album covers. View Profile
• Aesthetics Wiki – Lowbrow Art: Documentation of the connection between Southern California "Kustom" car culture, surf music, and the Lowbrow art movement. View Wiki

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1, 2026

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Surf Hermits - Road Trip

 Release Date: August 4, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

The Surf Hermits is the one-man show of multi-instrumentalist Jason Deathrage. A one-man band is not new currently; however, the admiration I have for someone of this caliber never wanes for this listener.

Road Trip is written, produced, and performed by Jason Deatherage.

Things start with “Ursa Major” and resonating twang and driving rhythms that get your blood pumping right at the outset of this 12-track slice of surf rock instrumental. Punctuated by fluid, piercing lead guitar runs, then ending with some cool wah-wah effects, this track has everything that makes surf rock so great!

“Red Dust Rider” is that crazy looking dude on the cover of this album. The colorful artwork by Rude Commissions pops with urgency. The guitar playing is transitional, switching from surfy twang to flat-out rock lines. The combination is lethal and so effective.  Again, you get some wah-wah effects, then a quick switch back to more fuzzy surf lines. All the while, a second rhythm guitar keeps the energy consistent along with the drums and bass.

“Towards An Empty Land” opens with atmospheric guitar notes that build the composition. Wordless vocals arrive, adding another layer and making it sound like a worthy movie soundtrack. I really like the tone of this man’s guitar and the way he can transition so easily within one song. Tastefully done while maintaining a rock edge.

“When Waves Collide” is classic modern surf. An irresistible toe-tapping rhythm permeates this one. It reminded me of some of my favorite Merrell Fankhauser tracks, with that island/surf feel. I could listen to this kind of music for hours, love it! Excellent guitar work.

“Mountains Of Madness” continues along the same lines, however, with a darker edge to it. The bass and drums are the steering wheel, while the guitars are the accelerator. The sounds are full and twangy, resonating surf rock at its best. The effects come in towards the end with the wah-wah, which always adds another dimension to the overall sound.  It winds things up with a hard-driving finality.

Now it’s time to take a “Road Trip.” The title track should be the most important one to focus on for its effects on the listener’s consciousness. The guitar playing on this track is superb! Full of effects with the leads and some good rhythm backing from the second guitar and bottom end, this is one of the most complete compositions that will resonate with the surf instro audience.

“Dr. Zira's Velvety Lips” is an interesting title. This one has a retro sound, with all the guitar notes. It does get a bit more complex as it transitions; however, it then retreats to the original lines. Think of the first wave of surf with a modern touch and some rock elements woven in for color and energy. Interesting way to end it as well.

“The Faces Of Our Fathers” is a slow-burner with silky-smooth lead guitar and strummed acoustic backing. The drums and bass perfectly complement this step away from the energetic rockers. This is the tasteful island vibe I absolutely love to hear. A great example of diversity and all-around talent on display.

“Yugen” is the longest track, clocking in at 4:38. This one takes another turn in sound and texture. The strumming guitar provides a constant rhythm as the leads take on a different tone this time. The drums and bass build along the way as the lead has that surfy twang that holds on to you without fail again. Then there are some different guitar transitions we have not heard yet. The time spent is needed, given all the different tempos and changes. Three-quarters of the way in, it morphs into an all-out surf rocker that reminded me of something The Space Cossacks would do. So good!

“Night Flight To R'lyeh” has a notable driving bass line as the guitar moves in and out of changes. The tone here carries a certain amount of mystery, as indicated by the track title. It’s all about creating an atmosphere. On the one hand, there is the surf instro with a Middle Eastern influence, then flat-out psych rock. Very complex.

“Mission To The Dreamworld” speeds things up again with a lot of quick licks and driving rhythms. The echoing guitar lines are the trademark of The Surf Hermits sound, and here is a great example of that, regardless of what direction the guitar goes. Three-quarters of the way into this, there is a dramatic change, and it goes into full-on rock mode.

“Speaking With Ghosts” is the closing track and the only one under the three-minute mark.  This serves as a goodbye for now and a reminder of the resonant surf tones that this music commands at every turn. The drums and bass complete their fills, finishing off the spooky motif nicely.

Road Trip stands as a testament to Jason Deathrage’s musical vision and skill. The seamless blend of surf and rock elements keeps the listener engaged throughout, offering both energy and nuance with every track. Fans of instrumental surf—and anyone seeking a fresh take on the genre—will find plenty to enjoy in this dynamic, expertly crafted album.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 31, 2026

Tracks:

01. Ursa Major 3:05

02. Red Dust Rider 3:44

03. Towards An Empty Land 3:32

04. When Waves Collide 3:20

05. Mountains Of Madness 3:01

06. Road Trip 3:08

07. Dr. Zira's Velvety Lips 3:12

08. The Faces Of Our Fathers 3:22

09. Yugen 4:38

10. Night Flight To R'lyeh 3:33

11. Mission To The Dreamworld 3:17

12. Speaking With Ghosts 2:32