Customer Reviews

Sandstorm

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the early 1960's, southern California was taken by storm by a new musical sound, a double-picked, lightning tremelo guitar style unheard of til then. The musician was Dick Dale, and his reverb-drenched playing (known to melt a guitar pick after one tune) fostered a host of imitators like the Chantays, Pyramids, Astronauts, Belairs as well as vocal groups like the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean. And so began the first wave of surf music. In the late 1970's and on into the 1980's, the sound was re-introduced by the likes of Jon & the Nightriders, the Wedge, the Malibooz, the Surf Raiders. The surf sound was back, and I was delighted. Then "Pulp Fiction" helped to kick start what many feel is the third wave, when it showcased Mr. Dale's "Miserlou" to many old and young fans. Surf instrumental music is alive and well, and is represented by one of the finer groups currently out there, The Madeira. Having become quite familiar with Ivan Pongracic's quitar playing while with the Space Cossacks, I was quite excited on the pre-publicity surrounding his new band and new release. From the Middle Eastern rhythm of "El Caliph" with its pounding tribal drums to the soft and mysterious "Crescent Moon", from the energy-driven "Sandstorm" to the beautiful and thirst-quenching "Oasis", this release is pure listening pleasure. Yes, surf instrumental music is alive and well, and this is one group that is doing its finest to keep it that way.

I have been listening to instrumental and surf music since 1958 and this CD contains songs with excellent composition, instrumentation, and playing passion. My investment is indeed of value. See the group perform if you can. Buy the CD and enjoy the ride!

The CD is amazing. I am an admirer of the Cossacks, so this CD is a welcome addition to my collection. I find this to be a quality recording of excellent original tunes. If you enjoy Mediterranean-flavored tunes and plenty of reverb, I highly suggest purchasing this CD. If you ever have a chance to witness the live performance of this band, it only adds to the experience.

This is an excellent album. With a sound just like the title hints--Powerful surf with a desert flair, this one rocks!

The Madeira features lead guitarist Ivan Pongracic, formerly of the Space Cossacks, and picks up pretty much where his old band left off, this time with less spacey imagery and more Middle-eastern influence ala Dick Dale.

Make no mistake, this is one of the best surf albums to be released since the early 60's. The playing, songwriting, arrangements, and overall sound of the album are all phenomenally well-executed.

Sandstorm is my first entree into the surf instrumental genre, and what a way to be initiated! I'll admit I was a bit skeptical at first, having only skimmed the surface of surf with the usual suspects, but what an amazing surprise! Any true lover of music will find something to be drawn to in this collection. From the blazing guitars to the driving rhythm, it's a sensory overload and quite a trip!

Since listening to surf instrumentals for the past 5 years (yes, I'm a newbie), I really enjoyed the Space Cossacks as my type of high energy, driving music. Ivan has taken his amazing talent and vision and carried it over into The Madeira. This album has the flavor of the Mediterranian along with a surf blend. If you have a chance to see the Madeira live, do it!! You won't regret it, I promise. Their California tour was awesome. Too bad the Space Cossacks were before my listening time.
A must have album.