Tikiyaki 5-O "Tone Control" EP review

Tone Control is the second EP from Tikiyaki 5-O, the rock unit and more portable version of the Tikiyaki Orchestra. It’s all instrumental, and the guitar tones are clean and wet so it should appeal to fans of surf music, but this is not a surf album. The vibraphone and tropical percussion of the Orchestra are missing, but the juicy flavors in the chord progressions and atmospherics take the songs far beyond the pale. The EP has six songs and starts off with three originals. 
I’ve probably listened to El Atacor a few hundred times at this point, and I’m still not sick of it. It’s the heaviest hitter here with a compact arrangement and a severe twang on the guitar. The verse alternates between staccato picking and legato vibrato dips. I can’t help but think about Jim Bacchi’s metal past as I listen to this one, though I know he’s really holding back from where he could have gone. He’s a “taste" guy now.
Sidewinder was written by Brian Kassan, the keyboard player, and starts with menace but the verse is singable and then the chorus turns round with a series of major 7th chords to lighten the mood. The bridge floats through an intricate dual guitar harmony and then rides the major 7ths through the outro.
Leave the Gun is the second Jim Bacchi original and as the name suggests, carries the intrigue of a spy on spy romantic interlude. There’s the moody set up, a hopeful turnaround, and then the ticking bomb throughout the breakdown reveals that the affair will be short lived. The ambivalence of the last chord leaves the story line hanging.The last three songs are covers. 
John Barry’s theme for The Ipcress File is ripe for a Tikiyaki recipe, the spy sound owned by the harmonic minor scale which plays Jim’s chorused guitar melody against tense, modulation wheel heavy keyboards and chilling harpsichord backing. Laika & the Cosmonauts did a similar version, but T5O’s version is more focused.
Then they drop the bomb with a cover of McCartney’s “Eleanor Rigby” though it’s retitled and significantly reworked as Elenor Bigsby here. Vamping on the riff and groove to Pipeline, when the familiar and iconic melody comes in, it’s a jarring and perfect juxtaposition. Don’t most early surf bands site the emergence of the Beatles as the reason surf music died? Why not reclaim it, and add a little “Penetration” into the mix as well. 
A taste of Exotica returns in the straight forward cover of Podolar’s “The Quiet Surf”. They’ve slowed it to a gentle crawl augmented with bongos, bird calls, crashing tides and cymbal swells for atmosphere. I keep thinking I’m having a reverie in an opium den, with an occasional lucid thought that I know I’ll never act on. If you loop this song, be prepared to spend afternoon doing nothing.
Jonpaul Balak and Pablo Baza are a tight and educated rhythm section. Brian Kassan's keyboard palette is varied and appropriate for each song (he also plays guitar.) Jim Bacchi is a fearless producer and this album is a satisfying diversion that will continue to surprise with repeated listenings.

Insect Surfers "Red Mesa" new video

Just finished this video for Insect Surfers, a song from their new album Datura Moon, this is "Red Mesa." This is part of an ongoing series, all shot in my garage. Who will be next? Who knows...

Insect Surfers "Red Mesa"

And here are the first two videos in the series.

Tikiyaki 5-O - "El Atacor"

The Kilaueas "The Men From M.E.N.S.C.H"

Upcoming shows for 2018

Frankie and the Pool Boys upcoming shows: 

Sat July 21 - Rio Nido Roadhouse, Guernville

Sun July 29 - The Ritz, San Jose

Fri Aug 3 - Purple Orchid, El Segundo

Sat Aug 4 - Surf Guitar 101 Con, Torrance

Sun Aug 5 - Surf Dogs, Huntington Beach

Th Aug 16 - Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia PA

Fri Aug 17 - 10th Avenue BBQ, Belmar, NJ

Sat Aug 18 - Asbury Park Surf Music Festival, NJ

Thur Sept 27 - Cornerstone, Berkeley w/ The Ventures

Th Oct 25 - Forbidden Island, Alameda
Fr Oct 26 - Art Boutiki, San  Jose

Fri Nov 30 - Alberta Street Pub, Portland OR

Sat Dec 1 - Daryl's Tavern, Seattle WA

Album Review: Fascinating Creatures of the Deep

Fascinating Creatures of the Deep

Float on Forever EP

This five song EP was recorded and prepared in time for Fascinating Creatures of the Deep’s spellbinding performance at Surfer Joe Festival, where they gripped the crowd’s attention. Their set seemed essentially different in pace from every other band, and they played the only true ballad of any band I heard there.

The group is led by Adrian Cavlan, lead guitar and songwriter, Gary Boodt on rhythm, and Paul Zimmerman on bass. The drums were played by Bay Area surf music scenester “Stretch” Riddle, whose cred and chops are unchallenged.

Adrian’s songs, in general, are non linear and veer from the verse/chorus/repeat cycle in interesting ways. Which is to say that it’s not trad, although the instrumentation is, except for the use of an acoustic guitar for the rhythm. Adrian is a bitchin’ guitarist!

This EP does not disappoint, and like their live set is patient and well paced. The first three songs are uptempo rockers. The first song, “The Coldwater Kid” is distinctly non linear, using a variation on the James Bond theme as an intro anchor, a solid verse riff, then a nod to “Diamondhead” here, some jazzy spikes there, and dramatic stops to finish, all in 3:02.

“Rail Grabber” is locked down with a steady surf beat and rolls, while the throaty leads tells a gripping story of one surfer’s long ride through repeated peaks and valleys. I love when the guitar goes for double reverb in the bridge.

“Panic at the Point” is even more cutting with a standard 2+4 snare and big pounder opening riff. The rising, diminished, bridge chills like ice water pouring down the neck hole of your wet suit. (This has never happened to me, but I can imagine).

And then, the EP takes another dramatic turn with two cinematic slow songs, which is somewhat surprising if you know of Adrian’s background in the Bay Area punk scene.

The first, “Float on Forever,” strikes me as being deeply introspective. Slow, moody and clean minor key surf guitar noodles over sub-bass. It’s a full two minutes before a slow stuttering drum beat joins, at which point the song reveals a bit of light in the melody. This is thoughtful, quiet surf at it’s best. You may not know what’s on the composer’s mind, but it’s sure to bring out big thoughts in yours.

“Push On Long Strider” was inspired by the onstage heart attack suffered by Stretch, and his recovery. Thinking about losing a talented friend is surely inspirational, although not the kind of inspiration anyone wants to have. It starts out with slow wave rolls and an ominous string bend, suggesting a transition to a darker world. The rhythm guitar begins a steady Bolero beat and the lead comes in on top with Spanish musings. The tempo remains steady but builds in intensity quickly, and you know you’re in for an epic ride. Even at nearly four minutes, this song is much too short.

In fact, with just five songs I feel the whole EP is too short, and hope and wish that Fascinating Creatures of the Deep continue to write and record, with a steadier output. Can you tell I loved this record? Great work guys, this EP is outstanding!

Tan Line Fever-- the end of the road, the end of the tour

Sunday July 1, Cecina 

We had an early call on Sunday morning, another long road day. We got out of Scauri without incident and to the A1. After yesterday, the wide and smooth black top lanes are more than welcoming, and the Fiat can top at out at 130 mph for much of the trip. For some reason it seems like a long, uphill grade the entire way to Rome, and then a slight downslope all the way north to Firenze. 

Our only stop is at a mega Autogrill, the kind with the restaurant spanning over the 6 lane autostrade. While I wish I didn’t have to drive the whole time, it is a great way to see the country. In general, the driving etiquette has been pleasant. One law I really like is that you are not allowed to pass on the right, so slower cars are forced to stay in the right lanes.

At Firenze, we turn southwest towards Livorno on the FiLiPi highway. One of the coolest roadside sights I’ve seen is a shuttered Autogrill. It looks like it’s been abandoned since the 80s. It’s humble in size compared to the one we just stopped at, and sits alone in a field with knee high weeds pushing through the cracks of the parking lot. I’d love to shoot a commando style video there.

We pass through Livorno and down the coast, driving by the cliff side club where Jono and I played for Surfer Joe 2009 with Pollo Del Mar. Both sides of the narrow coast road are packed with scooters and tiny cars, making it single lane in places. The beaches, clubs, and rocky spaces under bridges are packed with sun worshippers. 

Cecina is about 45 minutes south of Livorno, where we turn left towards the coast. As we get closer to the coast, we drive through a huge forested area for camping, which dumps us out on the dirt beach road. The Spot 1 surfing school is at the very end, and I slowly make my way, trying not to run over teenagers playing cards in the middle of the road, dogs, wandering children and elders, lovers only paying attention to their others, and cars wedged sideways into too tight parking spots. And finally, an impenetrable wall of scooters.

Jono and Abe go to assess the situation, the club owner advice is "Deal with it." While we’re waiting we meeting a parking lot attendant named Pazouki from Ghana, and I ask for his story-- he’s been in Italy as a refugee for 18 months, and it still struggling with the language, but likes the people and is happy to be here. He doesn’t have much pull with the parking situation, but seems like a really nice guy. Luca Valdambrini pulls up in his PT Cruiser, bringing us an amp to use. He knows exactly what to do, and he and Jono start moving the scooters manually to the sides. With a wide enough path cleared, I can get the van passed.

The Spot 1 is a place where you can rent sailboats and water gear, surfboards, SUPs. There’s a piece of plywood to put the drums on, the amps sit on top of driftwood, and the rest of us will have our toes in the sand. We look straight out on the water, and as for the ladies bathing suit style, I can only say, more buns than a bakery! The snack bar has rolled out huge tatami mats and groups have their happy-hour cocktails and eats on the beach in front of us. We start playing around 7, two sets until 9, and are the soundtrack for a mellow beach party. 

This is a perfect last gig, a completely unique and memorable experience. But, I promise I won’t get philosophical, even though I’m really tempted. 

The drive back up to Livorno on the coast road was easier, slightly less traffic. The biggest difference is that the beach wear has been swapped for dance clothes as the kids return from their campgrounds for the nightlife. We stopped by the Navy Hotel to drop off our gear, and then went to the hub, the Surfer Joe Diner to return all the gear. There’s another huge event happening at the diner, and Monday night in Livorno is no less lively a week after the Festival. Jon and Abe had some mediocre pizza experiences so they went out to find the perfect slice as a proper send off. Us older three hung with Luca for a snack, and then walked back to the Navy.

The Pool Boys, July 1, 2018 Italy. The end of the road, the end of the tour.

Monday July 2. Goodbye

The first message I read this morning at 8:15 was from Jono, saying that Abraham and Jonathan were through security at Florence International and on their way. Jono is staying with his wife and daughter for another 5 weeks of travel around Europe.

Karen and I went with Lorenzo to return the van, then finished business with him at the diner, and talked about the future world domination of all things surf music. At 2, Lorenzo dropped Karen and I at the Livorno train station. We are headed south to Caserta to visit the Bradipos and then to Naples where we will fly home on Friday.

So ends the rock’n’roll portion of the trip. Thank you dear readers for following along!

-30-

I love Rocky Road

Saturday June 30, Scauri

Pretty much pack and go after a light breakfast of sweet rolls at the Agritourisma Casamia hotel. Let’s just say that we got our 25 euros worth from this place!

I hadn’t really looked at a map but assumed that we’d be taking highways to Scauri, but this was definitely not the case! It turned out be an intense three hours of driving in a southwest direction across the skinniest part of the Italian peninsula. It’s also where the biggest mountains are, separating the verdant Adriatic coast from the more arid Mediterranean side.

Our course was about 1/4 super highway, then some on separated two lane, and a big chunk of it was little more than paved cart path. We went over a mile long bridge near Lago di Bomba with a stunning view of the hillside town of Villa Sta. Maria, to a horse cart path in less than a couple kilometers. Our van barely squeezed through the barricades that prevented larger vehicles from taking the route. The weird thing is that I never saw other options for roads, the highway merely dumped us onto a curvaceous trail better suited for ox cart. Where did all the trucks go? From the town of Quadri on SS652 all the way to Castel di Sangro I was white knucklin’ it. I will never forget this drive.

We were ready for lunch and stopped in Venafro. The only thing we could find was a pizzaria which was fine. We walked around a little. A few weddings happening in town, you know this by a honking processional of cars flying white lace from the antenna. From Venafro, it was all downhill, with a brief ride on the A1, Italy’s major artery, and then back to a two lane road to the coast and Scauri.

Scauri is another beach town, weathered and bleached. It feels packed, pedestrians fill the sidewalks on the main drag and the beach promenade. Our hotel is the Aurora and the staff is really friendly. It’s a big and plain place, no rugs. It’s a family place with toddlers and grannies mingling and the floors can be divided into suites as needed.

While Jono dipped in the pool and Abraham dipped in the Mediterranean, Karen and I took a stroll around town. By the beach and the many beach clubs, the sunbathers are packing up. We turned inland and walked to the main road and found a grocery store and tried to get some healthy snacks. I’m really craving peanut butter and asparagus. The spread is easier to find, even if it’s Skippy.

It was only a 10 minute drive to the the Mary Rock club, just over a hill from Scauri and down a narrow dirt road. The restaurant overlooks a beautiful cove and beach where the umbrellas and chaise lounges are mostly empty at this time of day. The beach is rocky, with lots of sea glass (with a bar overhanging the water, you can imagine how many bottles get thrown over.) This part of the coastline faces due south, so we couldn’t see the sunset beyond the far hill of the cove to the west. We knew when the sun had gone down when the mosquitos came out.

We hang out to soak up the scenery until the Bradipos IV arrive after 7. They’re sharing our back line, so we all help load in. The load in is much longer than last night’s few feet. It’s a long skinny restaurant, and they clear out a few tables at the far end, near the stairs to the beach, as a stage. A good size PA is set up, though we never need them. Massi has brought his tattered but sweet Fender Vibrolux and a 1963 Jazzmaster for Jono, the best he’s ever sounded.

We share tables and food with the Bradipos, there’s a lot to catch up on. Karen and I will go to their hometown of Casserta in a few days so we mostly discuss plans. At 10:30 (or so, Italian style) they go on and play most of their new album. The songs are really great, and rock hard. (Watch this blog for a full review.) They close the set with two of my favorites, Amor e O’Bene and their classic version of Morricone’s "Titloli" from Fist Full of Dollars.

Around midnight (or so, Italian style) we get it rolling for an hour or so. The restaurant is full, and they’re active and enthusiastic listeners. Only one couple dares to dance. After the show, lots more chatting with the Bradipos and some locals, and we sold a few singles. We have been sold out of CDs for a few days- I thought the vinyl would be more popular than the CDs.

I want to give an appreciation to the amazing waitress at the Mary Rock. She worked 20 tables by herself from 7 til 1:30, then tore down the PA at the end of the night. She looked like a volleyball player, and did the whole shift in flip-flops. She kicked ass, and there’s no tipping in Italy.

Back to the Aurora by 2am, tomorrow will be another long driving day.