Shindig Magazine Reviews The Surfadelica Debut CD

 

SURFADELICA
Surfing On the Desert Shore
Pisces CD
www.piscesrecords.co.br

The basic ‘surf trio’ line-up puts a lot of pressure on the guitarist to be sufficiently interesting and creative to maintain interest over a whole album. Surfadelica, a Brazilian group, are up to the task, particularly song writer and guitarist Carlos Nishimiya . The 11 songs generally follow a subtle, almost understated approach, concentrating on exotic, atmospheric moods, which is presumably the psych connection. Several of the song titles reflect the dreamy and romantic psych feel, such as ‘Flowing Through The Purple Sea’ and ‘Falling Into The Heart Of The Sun’. However, there is still enough twang to make this a surf instrumental album.
Phil Suggitt

http://www.shindig-magazine.com/thesoundsofnow-9.html

 

Pipeline Magazine

I'm very pleased to say our CD "Surfing On The Desertshore" had a great review by Mr. Alan Taylor on Pipeline Instrumental Review Magazine, issue 77, summer 2008.

He was also very nice putting us on his "Al's Top Ten" list:

1.Los Jets - 50th Anniversary
2.Mark Griffiths - 52 Florence Road
3.Surfadelica - Surfing On The Desertshore

Pipeline Magazine (4-01-2009)

Pipeline Magazine playlists

This is what mr.Taylor had to say about the disc:

"Judging by this album, Brazilian guitar group Surfadelica chose their name well. Led by guitarrist Carlos Nishimiya they have a range of surfy sounds which they deliver in an adventurous style influenced by the more musical efforts of the early psychedelic bands from the '60's. There is therefore plenty of moody and haunting atmosphere along with the group's surfing drive and the result is a refreshing and very rewarding listen.

All of the tunes were written by Carlos, but it is significant that the arrangements are credited to the whole group. This is a wise move as they have been able to craft them carefully and apply a bit of quality control. Surfing On The Desertshore is thus head and shoulders above most of its contemporaries, each track capable of standing alone yet sitting more comfortably amongst the others to create an album that you really can listen to all the way through.
There's plenty of twang, snappy drumming and expansive chords underpinned by solid bass work. I particularly like the moody atmosphere of the jangling Freakin' Out Surfin' In, the proud theme of Flowing Through the Purple Sea, the stark, punchy drama of Roswell, and the slowly creeping Quasimoto with its shimmering background guitars. Even better is the eastern exotica of Levitation which conjures images of sun-baked deserts, loping camels and charmed snakes. It transports you with such ease that it could have been titled Meditation. The flowing mid-tempo View From The Plateau keeps you on that plane before Overdrive Over Time provides an exhilarating guitar finale over Mauricio Guedesson's wonderfully driving bass pattern.
Without a single duff track, this is an album to enjoy from start to finish - and it's not often you can say that these days."

Mr. Alan Taylor is one of the most important figures on the subject of instrumental music and his opinion really means a lot to me. Cannot thank you enough!!

I recommend everyone that enjoys instrumental music and instrumental surf music in general to pick the magazine; it's really great:

www.pipelinemag.co.uk

 

Desde Brasil...Surfadelica

“Me rindo ante la evidencia de temas como el incuestionable "Surf me to the moons of Saturn", la gran melodía de "Flowing through the Purple Sea", el riff épico de "Freakin’ out Surfin’ in", la genialidad de "Questionable navigation", el contrapunto de dulzura y oscuridad que desprende "Quasimoto", las reminiscencias orientales de "Levitation" o la calidad que rezuma "View from the plateau". Lo tengo claro, hoy sería el disco que me llevaría para recorrer las carreteras que se extienden sobre los mares secos de Marte.”

                                  

Diego R.J. (Site Instrorama A-Go-Go, Espanha, 2008)

 

Reverb Central's Phil Dirt

Phil Dirt, from the fabulous Reverb Central site, THE surf music guru, has written a really flattering review of our debut CD, "Surfing On The Desertshore". He gave us 5 stars (out of 5!) saying the most beautiful things about the songs!

Thanks, Phil, you're always an inspiration to us, your opinion is always very important!

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Surfadelica - Surfing On The Desertshore  (5 stars)

This is a magnificent album of superb music. Surfadelica sound much as you might imagine from their name. Their music is a superb blend of psych and surf with extremely good arrangements and excellent writing and playing. I put this into my CD player and it stayed there through an entire week of commuting. Highly recommended!

Picks: Surf Me To The Moons Of Saturn, Freakin' Out Surfin' In, Flowing Through The Purple Sea, Roswell, Falling Into The Heart Of The Sun, Quasimoto, Questionable Navigation, Nobody's Fault, Levitation, View From The Plateau, Overdrive Over Time

Track by Track Review

 

Surf Me To The Moons Of Saturn   (5 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Shimmering guitar throb brings forth a rhythmic number with a rock rhythm and a partially Egyptian melody. While the lead would be better served more up front, this track shows promise and a surf-rock instro. Its darkness and thick ambiance create a mean underbelly that portrays a sense of little hope, while the melody is exotic and light hearted. The contrast is very interesting. Also called "Take Me To The Moons Of Saturn."

 

Freakin' Out Surfin' In   (5 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a splendid track with a moody melody line and a vision verging on fatalistic. Rich textures enhance the blend of surf and psych that is Surfadelica. Glissandos, layered guitars, and a sense of travel that makes "Freakin' Out Surfin' In" really cool on the road.

 

Flowing Through The Purple Sea  (4 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The pulsing chords that open "Flowing Through The Purple Sea" hint at dark danger. The melody line carries you forward. This is a fine track with a solid melody that's very well written. The arrangement is adventurous, with plenty of changes. Very cool!

 

Roswell   (3 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

The whammy chords are road worthy and the structure classic rock, but with an aquatic underbelly. "Roswell" is an instrumental that's easy to get along with.

 

Falling Into The Heart Of The Sun   (4 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

In the angularity of the guitar interplay lies tension that keeps you focused.  "Falling Into The Heart Of The Sun" features two distinctly interdependent but very different guitar roles, which are augmented by great drums and the kind of essential bass that ties it together so well that you don't consciously realize it's there.

 

Quasimoto   (4 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Shimmering tremolo, ringing chords, and a moody melody riff are perfectly mated with understated drums and bass. The sense of ensemble here is exquisite. "Quasimoto" is a grand song.

 

Questionable Navigation   (4 stars)
Surf (Instrumental)

The often adventurous Surfadelica play a stereo-rhythm number with a bit of a brooding melody line. "Questionable Navigation" is not a reverb fest by any stretch, nor even double picked, yet it sure does project a coastal vision of riders on dark stormy walls. Excellent!

 

Nobody's Fault   (4 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

A distant guitar plays sadly to introduce "Nobody's Fault," which quickly gets a tuff edge and heavily textured tone. The guitar distortion here suggests early dark metal psych, while the melodic component is all about water in motion.

 

Levitation    (5 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Softly ringing chords balance against tremolo shimmered chords as a very mysterious melody comes in. The melody and structure remind some of "Fear The Future" (Amino Acids). This is a hair raising experience, full of drama and risk.

 

View From The Plateau   (4 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Gentle guitars begins this smooth song, but it doesn't remain soft for long. Its mid tempo pace and guitar distortion give it a liquidy rock edge. "View From The Plateau" sports some great drum moments, and has an open space feel to it. The long sustained notes are haunting.

 

Overdrive Over Time    (5 stars)
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Overdrive Over Time" has a bit of a funky beginning, which is transmuted into liquid psych via the long whammy sustain. There's an almost galloping beat, and the kind sense of unrestricted desert that the Insect Surfers are so good at. This is a great track!

(Phil Dirt- www.reverbcentral.com )