THE ROYAL FINGERS
Wild Eleki Deluxe (Del-Fi)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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This surprises me. A few years ago, when I interviewed Del-Fi's owner, Bob Keane, he basically said he was all done with surf music. Yet here is a three piece surf band from the land of the rising sun, and that's definitely the Del-Fi logo. I've been in this business long enough to recognize that logo with my well-trained eye, and besides... it says "Del-Fi" right next to it. What happened, Bob? Well, no matter, the band's a blast. In the tradition of The El Caminos, The Royal Fingers only appear to be playing trad surf to those who are having conversations and not paying attention. Open your ears to this lady (bass) and these two gentlemen (guitar and drums) and you'll find all kinds of sounds nobody else is making. They have mystique built into every tune, and that even includes "Running Donkey," which approximates an old west ranch dance atmosphere (where peyote was apparently readily available). Del-Fi didn't make it's name in surf music -- I think you'd have to say Ritchie Valens or Bobby Fuller Four pretty much made the name -- and yet all these years later, and after recent flirtations with power pop and even country music, the name Del-Fi has become synonymous with surf. I, for one, am glad to see the marriage hasn't split up after all.

© 2001 - DJ Johnson