September 2004
I know they are from California, but I can't help thinking the title of this latest disc refers to tanning one's bod until the desired shade is acquired. I protect my ghostly pallor at all costs, but that's just me. Pollo Del Mar has always had a knack for creating atmospheric surf instrumentals and this release is further proof of their slick sonic prowess. There are two covers, a sparse, reverb rich version of Edvard Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King" and a straight ahead surf version of the Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf." The other nine tracks are band originals. Some of the titles are taken from literature. If John D. McDonald, represented by the song, "A Flash of Green" and Philip K. Dick, given an homage by "Ubik" are examples of the band members' favorite authors, we have more in common than just a love of twangy guitars, smooth melodies and crisp rhythm. The band has chosen to concentrate on their chosen genre rather than chase after the latest trends. If shooting the curl is part of your vocabulary, Pollo Del Mar should be part of your life's soundtrack.