Surfer Joe / World Traveler
The International Surf Music ambassador returns with his fifth solo album, appropriately, and ironically, titled World Traveler. It’s correct, in that no one has put more miles in the van preaching the reverb gospel globally than Lorenzo Valdambrini in the last ten years. And ironic, in that the album was recorded, solo, at his home in Livorno during the strict Italian COVID lockdown. As noted many times before, Valdambrini has all the tools he needs to create his music– he’s a crafty songwriter, a talented drummer and guitarist, and knows how to produce a vintage sound in the studio. He is, as track 10 suggests, The Solitary Surfer. The Surfer Joe color box is consistent on World Traveler, with few production touches and a quartet lineup of two drippy guitars, bass and drums. Much of this album is influenced heavily by The Astronauts, and their tones and beats show up on many tracks- Rebel Princess, On Top of Their Game, and Kaiju, which is a monster track! The lead off, Schlingel, is a party rocker with a minimal melody but a dance floor groove. Sunset is the slowest song with a mesmerizing quarter note thump from the rhythm guitar throughout, and features a dramatic, uplifting, change from minor to major at the bridge. My pick for the hit single is found in the rhythmically challenging Runaway Truck Ramp, featuring a compelling intro groove. The song is as much a mystery as it is an odyssey! Stay Stoked is another ear worm, coming more from the early Paul Johnson tradition, with a rolling snare carrying the reverb kayak over the rapids. Overall, another consistently excellent long player from Surfer Joe.
Availble in the USA from Hi-Tide Recordings
International Distribution from Surfer Joe and Surfer Joe Bandcamp
This review is published in The Continental, Issue #31. Please buy and support the magazine and the music!
