Surf Rock DVD Review: Merrell Fankhauser-Rainbow Bridge Revisited

Merrell Fankhauser and the island of Maui have a strong connection. The artist lived there for 14 years, during which Maui became a hotspot for UFO sightings. Fankhauser not only experienced these phenomena himself but also came to know the people who were eyewitnesses to those events, forming the basis of his unique perspective and musical inspiration.

Rainbow Bridge Revisited is a CD/DVD set that Fankhauser put together for Gonzo Multimedia and was released in June of this year. It offers a unique blend of music, interviews, and original footage, making it a must-have for fans of surf rock and UFO phenomena. Fankhauser's ability to translate his experiences into music has carved out a unique niche, and this set is a testament to his multifaceted talent.

 

Rainbow Bridge, the original movie, was the Jimi Hendrix movie. Fankhauser sets out to interview some of the remaining cast members of that movie. On the DVD, you get firsthand accounts of UFO sightings through interviews and original footage of surfers set to some of Merrell's great surf rock tracks. This unique blend of music and UFO stories, including the classic and appropriate "Calling From A Star," Will pique your interest. The rocking surf tunes set the tone. One of my all-time favorites and the best Merrell has ever performed is "Monster Swell." The track is filled with all the drama and unpredictability of the ocean. The song goes through several changes and is a complete surf-rock masterpiece. "Wild Gyrations" is another classic that will put the sun in your heart, the beach's warm sand on your toes, and images of surfers riding the immense waves of the Hawaii surf.

 

Although the footage of the surfers is quite old, it conveys the theme and location quite well. If you are looking for an HD-quality video, this is not it. If you appreciate up-close interviews, hearing about experiences of UFO sightings, and surf rock music, then you will love this set.

 

Merrell has always done a terrific job providing fascinating stories, interviewing people with tales, and adding great music to complete the experience. His dedication and passion for this project are truly admirable, and it's something you, as a fan, will surely appreciate.

 

Watching and listening to all this puts your head elsewhere, offering a different perspective. Some of the people being interviewed were spaced-out old hippies, but you cannot deny some of the events that have taken place on the islands of Hawaii. These accounts are just a part of the long history of extraterrestrial sightings that have been witnessed over the years, a history that you, as a fan of surf rock and UFO phenomena, are undoubtedly part of. What makes it unique is the involvement of Merrell Fankhauser, one of the most respected and admired musical talents ever known. This is a documentary you will not want to miss!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com

October 13, 2013

LP Review: Hola Ghost - Chupacabra, Hate & Fight

Some bands click with you immediately, and I love it when that happens because I never expected it. Hola Ghost is one of those bands that I like the most. They call their music Mexican Death Metal (which may refer more to their makeup than their music). It is challenging to define their sound, so you must decide what that is for yourself if you enjoy them as much as I do. Their music uniquely blends rock, metal, surf, and a little country. I had been listening to them for weeks, waiting for the vinyl to arrive.

Here's some background: Hola Ghost started as a duo in 2007, creating the soundtrack for the American horror comedy movie Cannibal Flesh Riot! by Academy Award winner Gris Grimly. The band was formed by Peter Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) on vocals and guitar, Jeppe B. Jessen on bass, and the haunted drum machine Ghost 707. Later, drummer Kristian Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) took over drum duties, skillfully replacing the machine's haunted beats. The band has since evolved, adding a horn section, "The Haunted Horns," to their live and recording crew.

 

Chupacabra, Hate & Fight are two previously released EPs bundled into one LP with two bonus tracks and one new track, "Iron Reich." It is available via Svart Records in three exclusive vinyl editions: magenta, solid magenta/black splatter, and classic black. All this will be packaged with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and a collage of rare and previously unreleased photos. There'll also be a limited CD edition of this fantastic compilation album.

 

Side A opens with the explosive "Chupacabra" (a mythical creature from Mexican folklore). The guitar sounds fuzzy, with effects starting with a definite Spanish flavor (which you will often hear along with the horns, which have the same cultural sounds). It is a fantastic opener that gets those juices flowing to rock out more, and you will. Peter Sandorff has a unique vocal style that you can recognize, separating him from all the others. And that is a good thing. This is my favorite track; I can't get enough of it.

 

"Mexico" starts with the haunted horns (ala Herb Alpert and the TJB), then a slick guitar comes in nice and slow, and then boom! It explodes into a wave of sound. They are very adept at playing this way and constantly keep you on your toes in anticipation. The guitar playing is fast from the electric six-string with some acoustic lines added. Here, you cannot miss their Mexican death metal moniker. A few surf runs are also added; they run up and down the neck of the guitar like a round from a live machine gun. Then, another super-fast surf segment takes hold with an extended instrumental break and good guitar work with solid bass and drums. All of this makes for a very entertaining toe-tapping rocker. 

 

"Soldadera" is heavy metal initially, but then it reverts to surf guitar lead (which is very cool; I love it). The bass and drums are tight and hold steady. What you will hear is an excellent instrumental. The horns add another mystique to their sound, as the only words they sing are "Uno, Dos, Tres, Quatro" (1-2-3-4). The rapid picking is in the glissando style, which relates to the surf intro music.

 

"Copenhagen Gringo” (By the way, that is where they are from) is a country-tinged track with catchy rhythms and a step away from all the previous tracks, but very good.

 

Side B opens with a rousing manner with "Hate." They sing, "Hate, follow Me." This dark but energetic tune has a super-spirited bottom end pounding away. Typically, some fine guitar work populates the track with an exciting merging of many sounds towards the end when it all reaches a boil, then slows down with those contagious horns from hell assisted by a melodic bass line and guitar that leads you into a mesmerizing instrumental run and they sing "To love and let die." This was the segue from the previous track and an exciting twist that you must pay attention to while listening.

 

"Fight" is a good follow-up. The band plays, and the vocal screams out, "Hate! Fight! Ghost Brothers! Come on and join the fight." This one is rockin' at warp speed. The vocals are outstanding, as unusual as they may sound to some people. It may be that way at first, but with that rough edge, it's ideally suited to their music, and you will appreciate it quickly. Just listen, and you will see what I mean.

 

"Funeral March" is a slow burner with acoustic guitar and horns for that perfect recipe and atmosphere of death and a feeling that you are watching this happen in Mexico. An extended instrumental run plays before the wind blows for more effect.

 

Then "The Bottom of the Well" begins, another favorite of mine. A steady guitar and bass come in, then it changes to more electric sounds with a surfy reverb. The drums crash, it gets better with the horns added (it always does), and it continues to build and build. It is a masterwork of sound and atmosphere.

 

"Iron Reich" is their latest effort (which will be followed by a new album, and I hope soon). It is a dark and bold track with edgy music to get the lyrics over more effectively. The song's title and lyrics, along with the tone of the vocals, make it all believable. This is fierce music with many changes and great vocals that project the visual they are trying to create for you. The guitar provides a lot of effects to get you there.

 

Hola Ghost is anything but one-dimensional. They are as eclectic as any band I have heard this year. They are not your typical power trio, and you will realize that once the first track starts to play, each successive track throws more curveballs at you. It's all good, and I am so excited that Svart Records introduced me to them. I can't wait to see what they come up with on their next album. The anticipation is real.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 11, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

A1. Chupacabra

A2. Mexico

A3. Soldadera

A4. Copenhagen Gringo

A5. Old Barn

Side B:

B1. Hate

B2. To love and let die

B3. Fight

B4. Funeral March

B5. The Bottom of the Well

B6. Iron Reich

Review: Susan & The Surftones-Wrap-Around

If you want to Wrap-Around some of the best  surf instro music on the planet, I have just the group to set you straight. Susan Yasinski and her group, The Surftones, blaze a trail in the sand and leave a huge wake in a sea of music with their sizzling instrumental surf rock band.

Not only is Yasinski an inspiration to women everywhere in music, but she has also become a pioneer of a genre. With each successive album the band has released, there has been growth, evolution, and maturity. They proved that they could cover all of the classic first-wave surf-instro hits with proficiency, and over the last few years, they have earned their keep and gained respect as original artists. It is a huge accomplishment in a genre with little room for experimenting and expansion. After hearing this new album, it is more than apparent to me that they have come full circle in their development playing this style of music. Therefore, what could be next to overcome and accomplish? We must find out when a studio album comes out next time.

This album has a vibe and feeling that has never been there before and is very cool. Fresh, tight, crisp sounds come straight at you on tracks like the excellent "Clash "and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go," the impressive curtain closer "Blues Theme," and the reflective and powerful "Lonely Crimson Sea."

The names of the tracks alone invoke visions of pounding surf, beautiful sunsets, and Enrico Morricone films while the music sets the stage. "Ghost Riders In The Sky" has enough to get up and go to give you saddle sores from the fast and furious ride…and what a great version of that classic tune. Think Clint Eastwood and spaghetti westerns, and you will get the picture.

There is enough excellent music on Wrap-Around to create plenty of soundtracks inside your head. Good instrumental music can do that.

The Surftones Are:

Susan Yasinski-Guitar

Avory Gray-Organ

Bob Becker-Drums

Jim Fritz-Bass

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 11, 2002

Tracks:

    01. West 30

    02. Wrap Around

    03. Blondes In Cars

    04. Peter Gunn

    05. Lonely Crimson Sea

    06. Nina’s Empty Glass

    07. More

    08. Moon Woman

    09. Ghost Riders

    10. Leopard Spots

    11. Sand Dreamer

    12. Should I Stay Or Should I Go

    13. Casper Reef

    14. Blues Theme

Review: The Ventures - Play The Greatest Surfin’ Hits Of All-Time

The timeless quality of this music always resonates. With The Ventures themselves re-recording it, the sound is not just better, but it's a testament to their enduring legacy. The clean, precise guitar licks, enhanced by today’s technology, breathe new life into the old. Except for one of the 18 tracks, recorded in 1981, all were re-recorded from 1996-2000, preserving the essence of the original compositions. 

From the first notes of “Walk Don't Run '64,” the power and clarity of the sound are undeniable. It bursts off the disc, grabbing your attention, and this energy carries through every track that follows, keeping you engaged and excited.

What other group could claim the title of defining surf-instrumental more than The Ventures? Their influence is undeniable, and their music is a proud part of the genre's history. After over 40 years, it's no surprise that they are the proud owners of several of these model surf-instro classics, a legacy we, as fans, can also take pride in. 

This, indeed, is the definitive surf instrumental collection. It does not get any better; each song gets the respect it deserves when the best instrumental band in the world pays tribute to each song.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 24, 2002

Tracks:

01. Walk- Don't Run '64 (Smith) - 2:28 

02. Penetration (Leonard) - 2:08 

03. Mr. Moto (Delvy/Johnson) - 2:07 

04. Out of Limits (Gordon) - 1:59 

05. Lonely Surfer (Nitzsche) - 3:30 

06. Baja (Hazlewood) - 2:35 

07. Let's Go (Duncan/Duncan) - 2:17 

08. Diamond Head (Hamilton) - 2:15 

09. Pipeline (Carman/Spickard) - 2:22 

10. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (Rodgers) - 2:14 

11. Bombara (Biondi/Tran/Vehle/Weed/Weisman) - 2:15 

12. Hawaii Five-O (Stevens) - 1:47 

13. Surf Rider (Bogle/Wilson) - 2:24 

14. Ninth Wave (Bogle/Edwards/Wilson) - 2:23 

15. The Cruel Sea (Maxwell) - 2:27 

16. Surfin' and Spyin' (Caffey) - 2:18 

17. Perfidia (Dominguez/Leeds) - 2:09 

18. Wipe Out (Surfaris) - 3:52