Review by Hang Nine Surf Music Webzine

Ride the First Wave

HangNine Rating: AFB (BETTER THAN ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT )

Who are they? Without doubt, Slovenia's finest exponents of instrumental surf music. On this, their third album, the Bitch Boys have teamed up with Mel Spinella, from Golly Gee, to select classic tunes from the first wave of surf music (and a handful of other tunes which they just couldn't resist) to play in their own inimitable style. Apparently, many of these tunes have never been covered before.

What's good? The absolutely authentic surf sound and some absolutely stunning playing from Damir, Marko, Robi and Tomaz.

A fantastic choice of tunes, some of which you may know and many of which you may have the pleasure of discovering for the first time (I know I did), including a handful of classical pieces, already in the surf repertoire, a traditional Bosnian tune and, especially for Robi's late father, The Snowman (with no Aled Jones in sight). One oddity is Knajazigor vs. The Phantom Of The Opera. Yes, the abominable Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom Of The Opera - and these boys even make that sound great. Tunes are not always played as straight covers either; Surf Rider is one of the more famous first wave numbers, but here it takes on a splendid and unexpected swing.

The whistling on Big Noise From Makaha.

Dracula's Theme, complete with its spooky voiceover and lovely organ.

The bit when they go all Balkan on us in Puszta Beat.

Next time somebody says to you, "Surf music, just remind me what that is again," just play them this: the perfect introduction.

What's bad? Nothing at all, this is a fantastic album.