I'm In Gear
Snow Falls
Dorsal Fin
Up Periscope
Fascination With The Neon
VOA (Voice Of America)
Feeling The Heat
Ex Lion Tamer

Insect Surfers - Wavelength EP (Wasp/nr) 1980

Audacious production values, good pop songs in a number of flavors, and skillful (but not slick) playing makes this near-album-length eight-song EP from one of Washington, DC's better bands a real pleasure. Nothing too serious here, just a batch of tuneful rock'n'roll with lots of character, thanks to rudimentary synthesizer fills and solid guitar/vocals. With more grandiose presentation, the Surfers could be an American Duran Duran.

IAR

Picks: Dorsal Fin

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I'm In Gear ****

This driving song has plenty of pop sensibility, and an infectious hook line that doubles as it's title. A fine eighties pop recording. A chunky damped guitar edges its way in parallel with an interesting range of keyboard sounds. The vocal lines are pure pop.
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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Snow Falls ***

This track sports an eighties Euro keyboard sound under a chunky American guitar pop sensibility, with fun lyrics about flaky white stuff and its affect on tiny lives. Interesting visuals are conjured from the lyrics.
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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Dorsal Fin ****

This fine instrumental merely hints at the future surf magic of Dave Arnson . It is a wonderful track, but is quite different than the current Insect fare. It is a marvelous example of early eighties pop gone surf-inspired instro. The keyboard is cool, and the writing is great. I've often asked Dave to add this back to his set, but to no avail. Demand it, it's a great song.
Eighties Pop Instrumental Stereo
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Up Periscope ****

This marvelous song is very well developed, with great production effects, cool sounds, and great drama. The tweaky keys and the relentless thump are somehow infectious. The endlessly repeated delay adds a sense of depth and danger. "Up Periscope, I'm Cool Calm & Collected..." what else needs to be said? "So Long, Little Tadpole!"
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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Fascination With The Neon ***

This near-drone foretells of the lost generation's focus on the meaningless for the pure joy of the experience... or, if you want to be more ethereal, it could be a peon to the Neon Spores ... maybe... maybe not.
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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VOA (Voice Of America) *****

This song has a profound sadness that coexists with an optimistic lilt to it. The combination provides a disturbing view of tomorrow. The almost Morse code walking keyboard line is wonderful. I've been drawn to this song for 15 years, and it still sounds fresh and enticing today. Its relentless bass line, chunky rhythm, and haunting vocals create a very visual and thick ambiance.
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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Feeling The Heat ****

Monk chant vocals evolve instantly into haunting delayed calls for caution at the recognition of the tension life holds. A tasty pop song.
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo
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Ex Lion Tamer ****

This is a Wire ' tune, and it conveys the profound effect that band had on this one. Think of it as a prayer at the alter...
Eighties Pop Vocal Stereo

The Insect Surfers are being sponsored by Body Glove.