Search - Slacktone :: Into the Blue Sparkle

Surfin' To A New Sound

Stanley Runk | Camp North Pines | 03/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me tell you folks something right off the bat here: Surf music does not get any better than Slacktone. Sure when you do a surf rock search Slacktone usually doesn't come up as one of the top names, but don't let that fool you. Slacktone only have two albums(plus a live one) as of now, and lets face it, outside California, surf isn't the most highly sought after music genre(and why should it be when we have so much great high class music to offer like Slipknot, Don Henley and 50 Cent?), so you won't hear much about them unless you are searching for them specifically. Slacktone aren't a bunch of kids playing surf covers in momma's garage, nosiree, Bob! These guys are middleaged surf veterans who really know their stuff. Both guitarist Dave Wronski and drummer Dusty Watson(Watson also played for Dick Dale) played for Jon and The Nightriders(another fantastic surf band). Wronski was never given much of a chance to show his stuff in that band, taking the role of backup player while John Blair played most of the leads. In Slacktone he proves he's one of the best surf guitarists around. Watson is definitely the best surf drummer. Don't believe me? Listen to this and tell me who's better. All original tunes here, some I'm sure destined to be covered by surf bands in the future. All three musicians work wonderfully together and are as tight as a jazz or progressive rock band. If you ask me, this stuff is just as essential as any of the classics by the Ventures, Challengers, Tornadoes and Dick Dale. Very, very, very, very highly recommended."

Instant Party!!

Rick | NC | 09/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Never heard of this band prior to an online friend recommending them recently. Simply put, if you're a fan of surf music in the same vein as the Aqua Velvets, Dick Dale, Los Strait Jackets, and the Ventures, you'll absolutely LOVE this CD. With twangy, reverb-drenched Fenders accompanied by smart basslines, and drumming that ..., this is one superb surf band. Get this CD, crank it up with some friends around and watch everybody start tapping their feet, bobbing their heads, and shaking their tails off by track 3! If you love early-60's surf rock, this CD is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

Slacktone at their best

Rick | 05/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The wait is always so-o-o long, but finally the new Slacktone CD. Into The Blue Sparkle is a brilliantly powerful sparkling experiential sonic flow. Dave Wronski's sense of riff is unique. His writing is immediately identifiable, yet always fresh. This is the mark of a great writer, like Henry Mancini, Ennio Morrecone or Jim Thomas. Brilliant guitaristry supported by the trademark excellence of the best rhythm section in surf music. Dave Wronski's gorgeous guitar work, Mike Sullivan's perfect bass lines, and Dusty Watson's incredible drums... What's really hard is writing concise descriptions of talent this strong without seeming to gush on incessantly. Simply one of the best trios out there, Slacktone has put together yet another exceptional release. All I can say is See 'em, Hear 'em, BUY 'em! -Phil Dirt"