20^th Century Guitar – March 2002

Robert Silverstein

What would happen if Buddy Holly surfed or had better gear? That’s not a bad way to describe the first CD from Virginia based Reverb Rockets. Headed up by Mike Lucas (vocals, acoustic, electric, 12 string and steel guitars) and Clark Ball (vocals, bass, percussion), the Reverb Rockets deliver a potent blast of rockabilly sounds and ‘60’s style guitar instrumentals with the results sounding like a mix between Dick Dale, Johnny Cash and Dave Edmunds. Clocking in at just over 32 minutes, the 11 track album is a good-natured kick ass record of vintage surfabilly rock and roll and one listen provides ample proof that these guys can really play. As a guitarist and vocalist Lucas has his act down – while his band mates and several additional players add more fuel to the Reverb Rockets sound.

9X Magazine (Plan 9 Records)

The Reverb Rockets, a trio of some of Richmond’s finest rock’n’roll veterans (Mike Lucas, gtr&vocals; Clark Ball, b. & potato flute; Rob Lytle, dr. & percussion), have released a really fine break out album full of rock, surf, and country self-penned numbers.  Rather than rely on the styles of their previous band, which are numerous (Big Posse, The Bopcats, Good Humor Band, to name a few), the Rockets forge their own new ground with this locally produced CD.

All songs on this record are written by the band members, including Mike Lucas’ country/rockabilly/ala the Stones “Sweet Little Girlfriend,” which opens the CD.  This song, complete with the surf-rock break, is straight from the Marshall Crenshaw and Steve Earle songbooks.  Lucas also pens “Rock-A-Billy Honey,” a nifty Sun Records sounding ditty, with the catchy lyric.  “Rock-A-Billy Honey I could be handy and you look just like a piece of candy. And when you dance you make my sweet tooth ache.” Sweet.

Instrumentals comprise a good portion of the LP, and this is a good thing, as these songs demonstrate the musicians’ prowess and knowledge of good time music. Clark Ball’s “Ghost Surfer” belies the band’s misnomer, a wonderful percussion-based mid tempo surf ballad; and his “Sacrifice” is a spooky drum-based number that seems pumped either by a number of high-octane alcoholic beverages or Jolt Colas.  I love the “wooh-wooh-wooh, hooh-hah-hooh-aahah” vocal refrain.  The bass player’s “Lobster Tank” also adds to the instrumental fun.

Other fun on Reverb Rockets is “Long Haul,” a trucking tune that should ring true to anyone that’s spent even ten minutes on that boring, loping interstate highway.  “Single Coil Theory” is a smooth Jerry Reed/Chet Atkins greasy piece of chicken’ pickin’ guitar, and Mike Lucas’ “Cowboy Work,” a story of a cowboy wannabe, is a page out of Webb Wilder’s songbook.  “Hellbender” is the first song that in 30 years or more of listening that I can recall that is written about a fishing lure, and it is pure fun.

Now Hear This—CD Review

Reverb Rockets, “Test Rocket”

Don’t get the idea by the surfin’ cover or the rockabilly name that the Reverb Rockets are some run-of-the-mill retro band.  As the group’s excellent first CD reveals, this talented trio of Richmond-based pros is the real deal.  With a rocked-up groove that digs deep to explore the outer limits of tone and themes both musical and lyrical, “Test Rocket” is full of fun.  Sure, there are surf and rockabilly sounds, but there’s much more as each of the 11 songs rolls with an energy and presence that’s a pure delight.

All three members contribute as writers as well as singers and players.  “Cowboy’s Work” is the wonderful tale of a lazy cowboy, and “Armchair Quarterback” rocks with equal humor.  For the instrumental tune “Single Coil Theory,” guitarist Mike Lucas plays with an inspired and crazed frenzy, while bassist Clark Ball and drummer Rob Lytle punch out tight time changes.  “Ghost Rider” mixes mystery with fluid guitar runs and whammy bars.  “Hellbender,” the mock-serious tale told by a hooked fish, is handled with appropriate Spinal Tap flair as guitars again go berserk.  And any CD that includes a cut where the nonsense chant “Lobster Tank” repeats at odd intervals over big guitars and rhythm is tops in my book.  Join the Rockets at Poe’s Pub June 1 for the CD release party.

Written By Ames Arnold

Reverb Central Review

PO Box 7240, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-7240 USA

Phil Dirt, certified guru of surf music....

 

The Reverb Rockets Test Rocket Label: Reverb Rockets 7625 CD   The Reverb Rockets mix great rock and roll and cowboy vocals with fine unpretentious instrumentals. their music is very high quality root rock oriented, with excellent musicianship and great writing. Well produced and infectious, this CD will surely please anyone who appreciates real rock and roll the way it was designed to be played. "Sweet Little Girlfriend" is a very cool fifties single targeted track with the hooks and the melody and the sound. Recommended. Picks: Ghost Surfer, Lobster Tank, Sacrifice, Single Coil Theory

"Ghost Surfer"

Opening with a howl, "Ghost Surfer" quickly becomes an infectious and rhythmic tune with a spooky guitar line and modern surf feel. The melody riff is refreshing, and the rhythm track richly done. Really nice track. Even the Austin rock break is a nice touch.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Lobster Tank"

Double picked cowboy twango, with cries of "Lobster Tank" in the right places. Sounding like an Austin transplant, this is a cute and funny track that you'll find yourself humming while you cruise through the aisles at the market searching for a large rubber-banded crustacean.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Sacrifice"

Thundering tom toms provide a tribal backdrop for a vibrato throbbing watery experience. Rich and fun, with jungle edge and sensual magnetism. "Sacrifice" is a fine example of just how much power and charm can be derived from minimalism in the right hands. magnificent!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Single Coil Theory"

Opening with coil hum, the well named "Single Coil Theory" is a twangy roots rockin' pumpin' instro with a playful damped rhythm and whammied watery chord progression. Bordering on chicken bop, riding a cactus wave, and hinting of Cat Mother and the Allnight Newsboys, this is just too much fun.
Chicken Bop Surf Instrumental Stereo

It sounds like a cat who's claws are caught in the strings of Dick Dale's Stratocaster, while a Johnny Cash record is playing in the background. Cool!"
       - Will Ray of the Hellacasters.

"The Reverb Rockets debut CD is long overdue solace for our surfabilly sensitivities, adding some crunchy bacon to the California Sushi Roll, twangin' heaven!"
        - Page Wilson, Singer/Songwriter and host of the Out of the Blue Radio Review, WCVE, Richmond, VA