OTTO’S SHRUNKEN HEAD in NYC was the place to be Friday July 22nd if you wanted to have an evening chock full of surf/twang.  Kudos to Strange Dave Rosenberg for helping to keep the New York City scene alive and well for those that can’t get enough live surf music.

 

Opening band was VENICE BEACH MUSCLE CLUB – a great 4-piece combo from the NY area.  Evan Dawson, the band’s lead guitarist, can pick, double-pick, and at times it seemed like triple-pick, with the best of ‘em. Great band!  One to keep an eye on.  Lots of traditional surf and some originals, in their unique styling.  www.venicebeachmuscleclub.com is their website. 

 

Next up STRANGE BUT SURF.  Led by Strange Dave, this group has really grown (afraid to say ‘matured’, and Strange Dave knows what I mean).   Andrea Atlantis on bass is a terrific addition to the group; totally dig the 60’s retro dress too!  BRAVO to Strange Dave for putting together such a great show.   www.strangebutsurf.com is the website.

 

From Maryland, next came REVERB GALAXY.   www.reverbgalaxy.com.  I had the pleasure of working with this band last December at a show I threw together at JAXX’S in Virginia with 3 other bands.  Killer performance from this great foursome!  Dig the space-age one-piece outfits and neon glasses.  I’m a big believer in the ‘uniform’ stage look for surf bands.  I think it’s the way to go.  Mixed their set with several covers and lots of originals.  Believe they sold-out their four song EP/CD’s too.  They probably got the strongest reception of the evening.  Tight band, hot stuff.

 

MR. ACTION & THE BOSS GUITARS closed things out in the wee hours of the next day.  No originals here, just covers, but great versions, many done in their unique arrangements.  They got new shirts too – kept the balck and red thing – look like a cross between barbers/bowlers/waiters – not a bad combo right?   If you haven’t seem ‘em live, time to do so!  www.thebossguitars.com

 

Review per Unsteady Freddie July 2005 (abbreviated)