his is a very interesting disc. Combining spaghetti western, spy, surf, and
atmospheric production, this Italian band are charting new territory. Very good
writing and engaging ideas.
Picks: Assalto Alla Diligenza, Costa Esmeralda, Dr. Destino, Gangsters, Gita Al
Mare, Mexicono, Mr. Grancho, Operazione Sceicco, Sol Stizio D'Estate, Yuri Gagarin,
R.I.P.
"Anni Di Piombo" ***
Like a cross between John Barry and Ennio Morricone, "Anni Di Piombo" is a pulsing
spaghetti spy song with lots of ominous drama.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Assalto Alla Diligenza" *****
"Assalto Alla Diligenza" is a splendid spaghetti western with a galloping rhythm and
eerie sound. Haunted by spatial reverb, the moody melody rides a stereo wash of
shimmer courtesy vibrato and panned delay. Sound effects of horses and gunshots
complete the bandito image.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Asteroide" ***
Pumping rhythm and tweaky electro-sounds in a dark syrup of sub space danger. Not
melodic, but riffy pulsing power.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Costa Esmeralda" ****
A fine playful melody strides across a circulating rhythm. "Costa Esmeralda" is very
cool and catchy, with a bit of humor and spatial fullness. Fun and engaging.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Dr. Destino" ****
An open road adventure kind of song with shimmer and throb from reverb and vibrato.
"Dr. Destino" has a definite coastal feeling, and the melody portrays motion. The
tribal beat adds drama.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Gangsters" ***
This song sports a catchy riff and a light hearted sound. A wash of reverb and
atmospherics give it a huge distance, though it's not far away. Bad guys never sound
this melodic.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Gita Al Mare" ****
Light and fluid, playful and warm, "Gita Al Mare" is a fine song for an energized
happy day. Pretty without being sappy, and featuring great drums.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Mexicono" ***
Warm tone and a Spanish influence create a pleasing and fluid sound. The melody is
very pleasing and well developed. "Mexicono" seems to smile.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Mr. Grancho" ***
Stereo vibrato makes "Mr. Grancho" pulse in an atmospheric wash. More riff than
melody, but very fun. The uplifting joy of the song is quite evident.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Operazione Sceicco" ***
Spies on surfboards zigzag between curl riders in search of sleepers. They don't
find them, but the hunt is dangerous nonetheless. "Operazione Sceicco" is a nice
song with a real espionage feeling and sound.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Sol Stizio D'Estate" ****
"Sol Stizio D'Estate" is a very pretty song, with a beautiful melody and broad
atmospherics. The muted rhythm and gentle percussion, along with the round bass
lines, create a romantic underpinning for the haunting melody.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Yuri Gagarin" ***
Russian Cosmonaut "Yuri Gagarin" is immortalized in this instrumental. Perhaps a bit
like early Laika and the Cosmonauts, the song is decidedly European, yet has a
surfable sound.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo
"R.I.P." ****
Unlisted at the end of the disc, "R.I.P." is a beautiful and atmospheric song that
floats on a sea of reverb and mist. Great percussion and moodiness.
Spaghetti Surf Instrumental Stereo