The Impacts' Wipe Out is notable for two reasons. Firstly, it almost entirely consists of original material that is performed quite well, considering it was released without any foreknowledge from the band. And secondly, it contains the inspiration for the Surfaris' hit single of the same name as well as the distinct laugh at the beginning of the hit version. It seems that when the Surfaris needed a b-side for their 'Surfer Joe' single, studio owner  Dale Smallen recalled the Impacts session and dubbed the new composition 'Wipe Out.'

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‘Wipe Out’ (not the Surfaris’ song) is a nice surf rocker with some reverb-drenched guitar slides. ‘Fort Lauderdale’ follows in the same vein, while the somnolent ‘Tears’ obviously draws its inspiration from Santo and Johnny’s ‘Sleepwalk’. Possibly the shortest song in the whole genre (1:16), the Duane Eddy-Esque‘ Revellion’ kicks the album back into high gear with plenty of twang, albeit its brief runtime. The bluesy ‘Blue Surf’ slinks along slowly while ‘Impact’ is a fast rocker. The moody ‘Steel Pier’ is another fine instrumental, full of rapid drum fills and an echoey lead guitar. ‘Tandem’, another strong composition, could’ve easily appeared on a Lively Ones' album. The bouncy ‘Sea Horse’ saunters along at a comfortable pace. Distinct from the Playmates’ 1959 novelty song, ‘Beep Beep’ rocks harder than the former hit and has a spoken-word interlude. ‘Lisa’ is pure rhythm and blues. The album’s only cover, ‘Church Key’ gets an original makeover and also features the iconic laugh that opens up the Surfaris’ ‘Wipe Out.’

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The Impacts’ Wipe Out is a treat. Considering the Surfaris connection and the 11 original compositions, it would be hard to pass up this release.