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New Dimensions - Surf n' Bongos

Surf 'N Bongos

Failsafe / Cat On A Hot Foam Board / Bongo Surf / Intoxica / Church Key / National Breakout / Avalanche / Vesuvius / Wild Wave / Aqua Limbo

The New Dimensions

// 1963 on Sutton Records (SSU 332 / SU 332)

8.5

Album Review:

Distinct from the Bongo Teens' album of a similar name, the New Dimension's Surf'n Bongos, is a fun reverb-soaked outing that, while having very few discernible bongo sounds, is a worthwhile listen. 

The album opens up with the phenomenal 'Failsafe,' followed by the rocking 'Cat On a Hot Foam Board.' 'Bongo Surf' features some bongo breaks reminiscent of the Surfaris' 'Wipe Out' but is original enough to merit a few listens. Two covers, 'Intoxica' and 'Church Key,' are well executed with a great deal of energy. The original 'National Breakout' is heavy organ rocker, while 'Avalanche' features some rapid picking on the electric guitar. Both 'Vesuvius' and 'Wild Wave' (save one odd modulation) feel a little like filler. The niche 'Aqua Limbo' acts as a unique closer to the album.

 

Released on the budget Sutton, the New Dimensions' Surf'n Bongos manages to rise above its bargain bin limitations and deliver a surprisingly enjoyable little 10-track album. 

 

Side Note: Did anyone else notice that the cover photo is from the same shoot as the Sentinals' Surfer Girl album? To confuse things even more, the back of the Sentinals album identifies the two gentlemen as members of the New Dimensions and suggests the buyer be on the lookout for the Dimensions' first Del-Fi album. No such album was ever issued.

CHOICE CUTS:

BONGO SURF / CAT ON A HOT FOAM BOARD / FAILSAFE / INTOXICA / CHURCH KEY / AQUA LIMBO

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