LOS STRAITJACKETS
The Velvet Touch Of... (Yep Roc)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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The most successful instrumental surf band of the 90s is at it again. The men in the scary Mexican wrestling masks are successful for a reason: they're dynamite players, and their level of musicianship continues to rise. This album marks the debut of Halibuts guitarist extraordinare Pete Curry, who takes over the bass role for E. Scott Esbeck (though Esbeck appears on three tracks).

New blood often breeds new energy, and "Hornet's Nest" is bursting with it, as are "Sterno" and "Kawanga!" "Rockula" recalls the garage shock grit of "Caveman," from their 1996 debut album, and it's definitely going to be prime material for Halloween party tapes this year.

Los Straitjackets albums are always an eclectic affair, loaded with garage rock, surfin tsunami slammers and their own brand of rich, melodic, exotic instrumental pop. The Velvet Touch delivers plenty of the latter, from the ornate "Close To Champagne" to the Shadowesque "State Fair" and a cover of the Titanic theme, "My Heart Will Go On." Who would have guessed that piece of fluff could become a nice, meaty little instro tune? Then again, in the hands of guitarists Eddie Angel and Danny Amis, even Chopsticks could become a frat fave rave.

© 1999 - DJ Johnson