Limited edition, 300 copies in blue vinyl
LP
Co-releasing with Surf Cookie Records (Greece)
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https://www.surfmusicandart.com/2025/11/theriptideratswavesofsteel.html
They hail from Kungsbacka City, Sweden, and include members of Lunatones & the Chuck Norris Experiment.
Players:
Gustav Wilhelmsson – Guitars
Fredrik Wallgren – Drums
Jocke Olsson – Bass
The title track “Waves Of Steel” kicks things off with a rocking surf burst of energy and retro twang. The aim is accurate, and clearly this track sets the tone for one hell of a surf instro ride. I noticed readily how clear and crisp the production was, and I look forward to what comes next.
“Desert Dust” begins with the first wave tones and rhythmic sections. The guitar leads the way as the drums and bass pound out the waves for that fine guitar to ride upon. Rapid bursts of twang and reverb with some straight-ahead rock lines are peeled off in specific places within the composition. It’s pure surf rock excitement.
“Breaker” sounds like their tribute to the great Link Wray (if not the sure was an influence there). This track smokes from start to finish, and as soon as it starts, you know who they are giving the nod to. It is heavy and impactful, showing how three men can generate as much power and command as any five-piece band. It’s a testament to the band’s energy and musical prowess.
“Dunes” begins with the crack of the whip and instant twang. The guitar’s resonant tone creates the necessary atmosphere. The bass is notable here as well, and the drums are like the pied piper leading them through these imaginary dunes—an instrumental rocker with a Spaghetti Western motif. The second guitar sounds like a galloping horse. Epic scenery with a horse galloping away completes it.
“Coastline Chaos” is instant, high-energy from the first note. This one got me thinking about some of the great surf instro music of the ’60s. The main point is that its sound is technically precise, featuring sharp edges and an unmistakable twang. It’s a superb rocker that showcases the band’s technical prowess and pays homage to surf rock’s roots.
“Backwater Showdown” starts with an evil laugh to get things moving. Did I hear someone say “Wipeout”? It’s their own version of the original track, with some serious guitar rocking. I liked all the transitions and how they took the original beats and built their own classic sound around them.
“Reef Rumblin’” paints the picturesque ocean waves and the dangers of the reef lurking right around the corner. The steady bass, drums, and guitars roar through this one. Hard-rocking surf instro expertly mirrors the imminent danger ahead.
“Straitjacket” is a cover from Los Straitjackets’ first album. It carries a swager and hook that cannot miss. A very deliberate bottom end keeps things in medium tempo as the guitars take off into the stratosphere. It sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a spy thriller scene. Towards the end, it blossoms into just that!
“Astrofeet” sounds like the robot’s voice from the 60s Lost in Space series. I fondly remember that show. Of course, I thought of the legendary band Man or Astroman and the way they would start some of their songs. This is one of the heavier rockers on the recording, and they also ensure that the surfing influences shine brightly. The elements of hard-rocking guitars with surf make for an explosive track!
“Action Jaxxxon” takes us to fuzztone land, a la Davie Allen. The Ventures’ “2000 Pound Bee” returns with a vengeance! This time, it’s more complicated and faster, with a juggernaut rhythm section steamrolling its way through, clearing the way for the guitars to rule the day.
“Grease My Board” is another reach back to the first wave of surf instro, with mellower tones, heavy bass lines, and meatier guitar chords interspersed. This is the perfect blend of the violence of a vast wave and the warm rays of the sun—another excellent track to follow the last.
“Rat Stomp” closes out this incredible instrumental surf rock journey. It is the shortest run at 2:12; however, they do it right. They pack everything they have into this one, all the influences merge into one great close to the curtain. I can imagine closing out a live show with this one.
Every track stays true to its intent. The instrumentation is sharp and attention-grabbing. The recording comprises twelve excellent tracks filled with reverb, twang, and hard-rocking guitar lines. The Riptide Rats have really made it count with Waves of Steel.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
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The Riptide Rats – incredible new album – Waves Of Steel
Surf Guitar Rock
Story by Liam Hughes
25/11/2025
Waves Of Steel a 12-track instrumental surf album rooted early rock ’n’ roll, shaped by spaghetti western style with a modern edge.
The Riptide Rats, the Swedish band who describe themselves as an instrumental action-surf-western-rock’n’roll combo released thor debut album a couple of days ago, 20th Nov.
Listening to it you can only imagine they are beaming this to us from late 50’s / early 60’s California.
Love the brass on Dunes and the timely neigh at the end, amongst other things it gives the western feeling, like someone is staring you down from the shade of their cowboy hat brim wondering whether to draw.
It is in reality lifted forward from sounding exactly like it was recorded in the 60’s as it has a rockier edge and although they are using tube amps and all the reverb of surf guitar from the time, the recording tech provides a much cleaner sound (and stereo).
There is some fantastic 12 bar blues on Backwater showdown, loads of crashing cymbals and drum fills. Melodic solos a plenty too on this one.
Some of it brings Duane Eddy to mind especially on parts of the really cool Straitjacket.
I love the energy, the tunes, the melodies. It’s fun, catchy and nostalgic. I bet they sound amazing live!
Imported from Ghost Highway Records in Spain.