Insect Surfers "Wavelength" 1980

Audacious production values, good pop songs in a number of flavors, and skillful (but not slick) playing makes this near-album-length eight-song EP from one of Washington, DC's better bands a real pleasure. Nothing too serious here, just a batch of tuneful rock'n'roll with lots of character, thanks to rudimentary synthesizer fills and solid guitar / vocals.

This early Insect Surfers album is priceless. It is very unlike the Insects of today, but is nonetheless a great record. This was recorded a long time ago when the Insect Surfers were located in the nation's capital. Their sound then was an interesting blend of UK new wave, American pop, and surf ethics. A mighty fine album. The lone instro is great, and there are several vocal numbers that have been on my faves list for 15 years. One day soon, given enough intelligence, some label will issue this LP and the Sonar Safari album as a two-fer CD. - PHIL DIRT

trax:
01 i'm in gear 02 snow falls 03 dorsal fin 04 up periscope 05 fascination with the neon 06 voa 07 feeling the heat 08 ex lion tamer 09 into the action 10 pod life