Surfing probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you
think of Maryland, but the Old Line state is home to a surf scene, and
at least one really good surf band. Fronted by lead guitarist Art Svrjcek, Reverb Galaxy is an instrumental quartet that deftly navigates the West Coast pipeline, while also paying homage to British Stratmaster Hank Marvin and tossing in a moon rock or two. Svrjcek covers the classic moves—from percussive Dick Dale slides to swooping Jim Fuller riffs to sweet Marvin-like melodic lines—ably backed by the tasty twang of rhythm guitarist Joe Atkins, and the spirited propulsion provided by drummer Jeremy Carlson and bassist Jim Colby.
Although not included among the influences name checked in the CD liner notes, the production and musical attitude embodied in these songs remind me as much of Joe Meek bands such as the Fabulous Flee-Rakkers and the Moontrekkers as they do the Surfaris or the Ventures—and that’s a good thing in my book. The guitar tones, too, are dripping with vibe.
Too bad the nine songs fly by in less than 30 minutes, as this is the sort of album you just want to pop into the player in your Woodie and cruise down the coast with on an endless summer afternoon. Bitch’n! Reverb Galaxy.