Before now, I've never realized how different a group can sound and still sound exactly the same. That probably didn't make any sense, so let me explain. Terry Scott Taylor managed to get some of the best Christian rock groups together for a project where they slipped completely out of their niche in the modern rock world, and played surfer music.
At first listen, you're kinda skeptical because the thought of Plankeye sounding like the Beach Boys isn't really all that appealing. But when the first song sets in, you realize that while these groups are all playing surf music, most of them don't sound too different than normal anyway. Maybe somebody used this foot petal instead of that one, but when the Insyderz come on, it sounds a little bit different, but there's very little doubt that it's the Insyderz. There are a couple of obvious downsides to the album, such as the tracks by Skillet and Rebecca St. James. Don't get me wrong, they're both awesome artists, but I'm not sure how they figured on playing their normal music and trying to pass it off as surf music. There are also some sleepier tunes by Terry Scott Taylor, Rick Altizer, and Lost Dogs, but for the most part it's an excellent compilation of some of the best groups in the industry playing songs with energy and enthusiasm that hasn't been seen in music since the Beach Boys and the Ventures were around. With the exception of just a few tracks, you've got a really great CD that comes across naturally and, to top it all off, it's fun.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #73Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernI can still remember my buddy Aaron and I singing Beach Boys songs for our peers during recess in the 4th grade; imagining we were at the beach, with the blue, blue surf shimmering on the horizon, and the little surfer girls wanting to hang out with us. The problem was, we were in chilly, landlocked Montana, and our California dreams were just that - dreams (especially the part about the girls).…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaSurfonic Water Revival ("surf music for the redeemed masses") is the brain child of Terry Scott Taylor, one of the greatest song writers ever. With a nod to Brian Wilson, Jan and Dean, the Ventures, Beach Boys, Dick Dale and many others, Terry has directed a musical trip, featuring some of Christian music's finest talent--making waves unlike any other to come from the Christian music community.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartTo be honest, I was somewhat dubious about this project when I heard about it. Christians have often been accused of catching musical waves when they are already well-developed (often just before they crash into the shore) and that could easily have been the case here. The fact that Terry Taylor, one of Christian music's more respected innovators, was involved intrigued me, however, so I decided…
