Album Review:

Though not released in the 1960s, Surf-N-Burn might as well been. Judging from the lengths this unknown group of instrumentalists exhibited to make this album appear authentically vintage, According to the back cover the fictional band was formed in 1959 and was among the earliest surf rockers who defined the surf sound. Of course, none of this is true, and the Blue Stingrays were reportedly Tom Petty's backing band. Nevertheless, the Blue Stingrays 1997 album is perhaps the greatest 60s surf album that never was.

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'Monsoon' is a superb surf track with some exciting moments on par with the best surf tracks from 30 years prior. The eerie vibe 'Echo Park' recalls the Deadly Ones' It's Monster Surfing Time and other monster-themed surf releases of the era. The album's lone cover, 'Goldfinger,' fits in nicely with the other originals though it isn't especially interesting. The raucous opening of 'Brave New World' might give away this album's 90s creation date, but it's still a strong track. 'Russian Roulette' is catchy and features a whammy bar while 'Moon Over Catalina' borrows heavily from Bob Vaught's rendition of 'Blue Moon' from Surf Crazy. 'Malibu Babylon' features some Jerry Cole-esque picking over a quick double-time beat. The slow 'Blue Venus' is another excellent surf track, this time with a space-age theme. 'Land of the Unknown' summons some well-loved genre tropes and takes cues from another popular vagabond surf cover - 'Caravan.' 'Surfer's Life' is pure melancholic joy while the eponymous 'Stingray Stomp' could be the most authentic moment of the album. 'Zuma Sunset' evokes amber skies over darkened waves. The cheery 'Ju Ju Beads' swings over a steady rock beat. The tremoloed guitar on 'Green Sea' contrasts well with its muted opening riff. The party atmosphere returns on 'Super Hero' which triumphantly closes out a powerful album.

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Surf-N-Burn is an extremely solid record, and the 2021 repress by Epitone Records has assured fans can more readily enjoy this masterpiece.

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