INSECT SURFERS - REVIEWS

AND FINALLY - ATTENTION ECLECTIC INSTRUMENTAL GUITAR MUSIC FANS:

      The Insect Surfers have been putting out cool instrumental guitar music for a number of years. Powered by guitarists Dave Arnson and Dan Sullivan (who also plays saxophone), the Insect Surfers blend eclectic rock and surf for a great sound. Dave, who has been influenced by players like Davie Allan ("SPOTLIGHT" December '98), John Cippolina, and Tom Verlaine, founded the original Insect Surfers in 1979 in Washington, D.C. He moved to the West Coast in '85 and reformed the band (with different players) in '86, and they've been together ever since. Dave and Dan are both Gibson guitar fans - Dave plays a '61 SC Special through a Fender SUPER Reverb and Dan shoulders a late-'70s Flying V through a Fender Twin Reverb. Presently, the band plays two to three gigs each month and they're considering recording a new CD later this year.

      Their two previous projects, Reverb Sun (Marlin Records CD 001), and Death Valley Coastline (Marlin Records CD002), were very catchy. Reverb Sun was originally recorded in '89 and re-pressed on CD in '97. The contrasting guitar styles keep things interesting on tracks like Meteorite Shower (an attention-grabbing opening number), Polaris (cool tones and sonic variety on this medium-tempo rocker), Halleys Beach (very catchy, nice straight-ahead rockin' groove) and the Insect Stomp (a Munsters-sounding keyboard with sax and loads of great guitar tone). Death Valley Coastline was originally released in '94 and was re-pressed in '96. Faves include Tiger Shark (appropriately aggressive sound with plenty of cool chords), Re-Entry (ominous-sounding in spots), Volcano Juice ("cycle-delic" guitar work courtesy of Davie AlIan - "SPOTLIGHT" December '98) and MIG Alley (titled correctly, this one sounds like gunfire). To get copies, write to Marlin Records. P.O.Box 661441, Los Angeles, CA 90066. And check out the Insect Surfers' web site.

Vintage Guitar - April 1999

The Insect Surfers are being sponsored by Body Glove.