The Professor - Jim Price
THE TURBOSONICS – THE TURBOSONICS (AmeriSon
Records) There isn’t much premium beach space or ocean surf to be found
along Pittsburgh’s three rivers, but rip-roaring surf rock erupts from the
Steel City courtesy of The Turbosonics. Formed in 2008, The Turbosonics feature
drummer Tim Klatte, bassist Keith Caldwell and guitarist Jason Truckenbrod.
Their self-titled disc introduces listeners to The Turbosonics’ instrumental
surf-rock realm, featuring eight invigorating creations. The group crafts the
surf vibe completely, from driving rhythms to instrumental tones and abundant
reverb. Each track captures a different mood and variation on the surf theme;
the disc-opener “Clambake” immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album
with its authentic California beach/surf rock vibe, and that mood
also permeates the rowdy shout-along anthem “Lights Out.” “Black Flamenco”
mixes a slight Spanish guitar flourish into the proceedings, and “Man’s Woman”
stretches out with a lighter, melodic arrangement. “In the Shadows” toys with
darker surf flavors, “Zombie-a-Go-Go” is more playful, and “Dragstrip” and the
disc-closer “Hattori Hanzo” rock harder and with more ferocity. The melody
lines are simple and to the point, and The Turbosonics improvise enough along
the melodies to keep the listener’s attention through each track. Recorded in
complete band takes in the same room, this disc shows that The Turbosonics are
tight and together, as the three musicians smoothly weave, complement and play
off one another. The mix is clear and full, and the overall sound is smooth yet
edgy. Even though this music emanates far from any beach, The Turbosonics’
debut is a fun set that honors the tradition of classic surf rock; this CD
should be tucked alongside the surf board or body board before embarking on the
next beach vacation. (The CD can be obtained through the website turbosonics.blogspot.com.)
Originally posted on Rocky 104.9 Altoona's
Rock Station
