To 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 that the album merited a listen.
The sleeve notes clearly show that when it comes to surf music Taylor knows what he's talking about, and he's assembled an interesting collective of musicians to put together this album--incorporating many familiar names from the alternative side of Christian music with some newer faces. It's great to hear new material from Daniel Amos, and Taylor's band comes across with what seems the most convincing track. Surf music is just down the right street to appeal to All Star United, and their contribution is also great fun, with some excellent guitar soloing from guest musician Phil Keaggy. A few of the tracks seem out of place--the ska of the Insyderz for example, and the slightly alternative pop of Rebecca St. James--but apart from these issues, the album has the feel of good production. Taylor actually explains some of this away with the liner notes where he outlines some of the difficulties in defining 'surf music.'
Most of the lyrics were written by Taylor, but unfortunately they are not all up to his usual high standards. If it was his intention to mix in the odd cheesy cliche (and given the context it may have been) then he has done well, but there are a few too many of them for my tastes, and if it weren't for his recent solo project I'd be a little worried about this tendency.
I expect this album to do well. It deserves to, with some first rate musicianship and some popular artists. There are quite a few rough edges, particularly lyrically, but given the endurance of surf music I doubt that this wave is going to crash down too soon.
3.5 tocks
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).…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Quin KermottBefore 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 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.…
