In the realm of surf rock, few bands capture the spirit of the genre as brilliantly as The Bomboras. With their energetic performances and undeniable talent, the band consistently delivered a unique and captivating sound that soared in the early ’90s. However, it all came to an exhilarating end after their 1994 record, “Head Shrinkin’ Fun,” which was released on Rob Zombie’s label, Zombie A Go-Go Records. Fast forward to 2023, and we have now witnessed the return of The Bomboras with their first album in 25 years, Songs From Beyond! The record is a prime example of their mastery of the surf rock genre, offering a collection of scorching tracks that transport listeners to the wild waves and mysterious bottom of the ocean.
From the very first spoken-word intro in the opening track, “Session At Zeros,” which warns: “While teenagers prepare for a secluded slumber party, terror strikes from the bottom of the sea—an invasion of ghoulish atomic beasts who live off human blood,” The Bomboras return in perfect form as the surf guitar and beat propel this album forward. The catchy notes of the next track, “Westchester Hosts Hawthorne,” find The Bomboras continuing their adrenaline-fueled ride. The song’s driving guitar riffs, thunderous drum beats, and haunting organ melodies immediately grab your attention, painting a vivid picture of a sun-soaked beach. The band effortlessly combines classic surf rock elements with their staple eerie ambiance, creating a captivating atmosphere that sets the stage for the rest of the album.
One of the standout tracks is “Frenzied.” The song showcases the band’s exceptional musicianship with its intricate guitar work and infectious rhythm. The Bomboras excel at creating catchy guitar melodies that get your foot tapping and your head nodding, and “Frenzied” is no exception. It’s a high-energy tune that perfectly captures the thrill of surfing under a moonlit sky. The album takes a darker turn with “Homage To Dave Pilgrim,” a stirring instrumental that transports you to a realm of otherworldly mystery. The back-and-forth guitars and memorable reverb create a supernatural space, as if you’re exploring in the uncharted depths. It’s a testament to The Bomboras’ ability to evoke a wide range of emotions within their surf rock framework.
Closing out the album is the atmospheric and moody “Man From Planet X.” This spooky instrumental is a perfect closer, leaving you with a sense of lingering mystery and intrigue. The Bomboras’ ability to create evocative soundscapes is truly showcased in this mesmerizing piece. The Bomboras have resurfaced in perfect form as these 11 original tracks truly capture the spirit of the genre.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Floating Features (La Luz) – music review
- Peace Loving People (Pardoner) – music review
- Moon Mirror (Nada Surf) – music review
The Fire Note started to create a simple place that could showcase records that we liked. Nothing more, nothing less. The focus has always been about the album and the experience that a great record creates. The Fire Note Webzine builds on this idea by offering an array of content that is all about the enjoyment of music, its pulse and energizing attitude.
