That's SIR Finks To You!

The Sir Finks

Instrumentals In The Key of BOSS!

2000

Ripped @ 320 Served by Teisco del Mar (I'm still here!)

Biography

by Greg Prato

The Sir Finks are an Austin, TX-based surf revival trio, comprised of members Mike Guerrero on guitar, Damien Llanes on drums, and Jason Gentry on bass and sax. Formed in the mid-'90s, the Sir Finks have issued a few full-length recordings for the independent surf-based Wildebeest Records label, Devil's Agent and Instrumentals in the Key of Boss!, as well as contributing the odd track to compilations, including a tribute to Memphis soul instrumentals titled Chinese Checkers, surf re-workings of songs originally played by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Surfin' Senorita, plus a four-song collaboration with Italy's I Cosmonauti, titled Guitars Don't Argue.

Phil says:

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"Weird Beard"

"Weird Beard" is an ultra reverbed super chunk stomp, utilizing a simple progression that gets into your noggin and stays there. Somewhat monster movie-ish, and very fun.

"Heads Up"

This is a right honest delivery of "Heads Up," also known as "Shootin' The Pier." It's Freddie King composition. Much chunkier and more restrained than the original or the Lively Ones' retitled version, this retains the soul and adds ultra reverb.

"Mondragora"

This is a pretty chunky traditionally styled surf jam, mid tempo and infectious. The trad progression styled melody line, damped plucks, and definite surf tweaked structure provide ample interest and wet rhythms.

"Knights of the Long Board"

Groovy percussion, percussive surf guitar, extreme damped reverb, and a delightful riff driven by the infectious rhythm. "Knights of the Long Board" is a very cool tune, with lots of chunk and pure surf tone. I couldn't get this outta my head... excellent!

"The Ulrich"

"The Ulrich" is a delightfully playful piece, percussive and infectious, and very spunky. Mike Guerrero knows how to use damped reverb to it's fullest. In some ways, this can be compared to a speeded up Fireballs tune. Very fine.

"Double Buck"

Mexican village stomp, cowboy prancing, and surf reverb... this is a mighty fin tune, a border surfed masterpiece. Entirely cool, very infectious, and totally fun. Yee-haw!

"Penny Dance"

Cowboy dance hall prancery, with that quiet reverb and playful rhythm. "Penny Dance" speaks of innocent fun, a polka band, and gussied up country folks. Even the subdued chorus brings cheer. Excellent!

"The Ballad of Mike Fink"

"The Ballad of Mike Fink" is a splendid light weight stomp, a tale of guitaristry and chunk. Mike's plucking is just too fun, and the perfect blend of drums and bass keep it afloat on a sea of airborne flying fish. Very infectious.

"Moon's Theme"

Outstanding picking, suave percussion, solid bass, and a magnificent arrangement. The Farfisa underneath is subtle and adds to the ambiance. "Moon's Theme" is a splendid track, bouncy and infectious, and slightly dangerous, with spiffy whammy.

"Heartful Of Soul"

This is a full fuzz attack on the Yardbirds' grand and moody "Heartful Of Soul." I wonder why no one has done this before, it seems so obvious. Nasty and yet very fun.

"Action Reef"

"Action Reef" is a bluesy number with a chunky backtrack, and a familiar rhythm. The cool chops and infectious rhythm drive this one home. It may be a bit derivative, but it's just too much fun to pass up.

"Lost Wahini"

Almost laughing playfulness, chunky froth, pretty girl search music. Very enjoyable, infectious, and utterly cool. Wahine or haole girl, it makes no difference... it's just too fun.

"Jack the Ripper"

Big whammy chords, extreme damped surf guitar rhythm, tribal drums, moody bass... you know the drill. The thing is, this very different, like a speeded up variation on the Surfaris' version, but with the rhythm guitar out from and the whammy subdued, creating a new image for a well worn Link Wray classic. Excellent.

Tracklist

1. Weird Beard

2. Heads Up

3. Mondragora

4. Knights Of The Long Board

5. The Ulrich

6. Double Buck

7. Penny A Dance

8. The Ballad Of Mike Fink

9. Moon's Theme

10. Heart Full Of Soul

11. Action Reef

12. Lost Wahini

13. Jack The Ripper Get it HERE