Search - Surfers :: Songs From the Pipe

While most of their board-minded brethren seem interested in exploring the more raucous end of the rock spectrum via so-called surf-punk sounds, these guys--who actually hang ten for a living--wax as mellow as mellow can be on their debut. Songs from the Pipe exudes a decidedly Californian vibe, with influences both expected (the Beach Boys) and unanticipated (1960s soft-psych types, like Love). While the trio never quite scales the heights routinely reached by those bands, it serves notice that this musical foray is more than just a gimmick. That legitimacy is furthered mostly by multi-instrumentalist Peter King--who previously served a stint in the Christian-rock band Dakota Motor Co.--but Kelly Slater's agreeably homey presence is also mighty compelling in its own right. Light, airy, and ultimately uplifting, Songs from the Pipe would make for fine listening on any summer's cruise to nowhere. --David Sprague