Pollo Del Mar - The Golden State
Guitar Player - DISCoveries - Vintage Guitar - 20th Century Guitar - Cozmik Debris - Garage and Beat - Rock N Roll Purgatory - All Music Guide - The Continental - Splendid - Pipeline - Surf Rock Music - Louisville Music News - Reverb Central - New Gandy Dancer - ProgNaut - New Eleki Dynamica

Guitar Player Magazine
Darrin Fox

From the proto-punk stylings of Dick Dale, to the majestic soundscapes of the Mermen, it's obvious that surf music can take on many different forms. Northern California quartet Pollo Del Mar, and its guitarists Ferenc Dobronyi and Jono Jones, contribute to the genre's oeuvre by crafting lilting, cinematic vistas, without ever losing sight of surf's classic melodic sensibilities. Harnessing copious amounts of echo, reverb, and (gasp) distortion, Dobronyi and Jones weave around each other beautifully, whether they're going full-on trippy ("As Above, So Below") or playing it straight (the Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf). Very well done.
Discoveries
John Blair

A couple of the best surf instrumental releases of 2004 came late in the year, from two bands that are as different in style and sound as they are geographically: San Francisco's Pollo Del Mar and Finland's Charades.
The Golen State (MuSick 23) is PDM's third studio release and certainly their best. Appropriately described as being a "progressive psychedelic instrumental" band, their latest CD moves a bit away from the beach sonically, though not in spirit. There's still plenty of drippy reverb here and much creativity at play, from the opening track's use of guitar feedback to create the impression of talking whales, to the closing number, an instrumental version of The Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf." The record also includes a video of the band performing one of the CD's tracks, "UBIK." While not traditional surf, The Golden State was still one of the best releases of 2004 in the genre.

Vintage Guitar
John Heidt

More Pollo Del Mar serving up music that pushes the "surf" envelope while mixing in liberal doses of psychedelic noise. Ferenc Dobronyi and Jono Jones mix guitar sounds with reckless abandon. Let's just say that things never get boring. Add great liner notes and a cool video, and you've got another winner from the boys from the Bay Area.
20th Century Guitar
Reviewed by Robert Silverstein
One of the hottest instrumental rock bands on the scene today, Pollo Del Mar released their 2004 album, The Golden State on MuSick and itís a good one. Sounding like Neil Young fronting The Ventures, The Golden State rocks with a vengeance and also skirts the borders of symphonic surf music. Featuring the ultra hot guitar interplay of Ferenc Dobronyl and Jono Jones, The Golden State may be a bit too heavy to be considered traditional surf, yet thereís enough fury in the waves of sound to make it of interest to long time surf-rockers and progressive guitar instrumental fans. In addition to the groupís spellbinding originals, The Golden State offers a rockiní instro of ěHall Of The Mountain Kingî written by legendary 19th Century classical champion Edvard Grieg.


Cozmik Debris
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

Rarely has an album cover so perfectly captured the feeling of the music within. Pollo Del Mar have always been associated with the instrumental surf scene, and it's true that some of their music is exactly that, but a more accurate description of their overall sound would be to say they play "ocean music." Their sound is deep and vast, with an element of mystery compelling to anyone who has ever found themselves staring out to sea and sensing its power. Turn the volume up and the lights off and Pollo Del Mar will provide plenty of ocean to float away in. Pollo's been together nearly a dozen years, and they sound like it. They've always been a cut above the throng when it came to technical skill, but at this point they're among the elite. Guitarists Ferenc Dobronyi and Jono Jones' styles blend beautifully, bringing powerful songs like "UBIK," and "A Flash of Green" to explosive conclusions, and creating breathtakingly beautiful sounds on "Mare Amniotica." Songs without lyrics don't often have such a cohesive concept as "Mare Amniotica," a gentle, dream-like, wordless lullaby for a child in the womb. Not the departure it may seem, when you think about it, since the baby floats peacefully in a sea (mare) of its own. Two cover tunes fill out the album, one a frenetic prog reading of "Hall of the Mountain King," the other an uptempo version of The Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf," and while both are nice, it's the original material you'll probably find yourself drawn back to again and again. If you're new to Pollo Del Mar and you pick this up and enjoy it, take my advice and go after their back catalog. This is their best, but it's not much of a drop off to the others.

From the January 2005 Issue, DJ Johnson picks his Top 5 discs for 2004:
The blowaway of the year, which just missed my top five, was Pollo Del Mar's The Golden State. Powerful, beautiful and different from the pack because they're influenced almost as much by Zappa as they are by Dick Dale or The Atlantics.


Garage and Beat
 September 2004
Reviewed by Edwin Lechter

I know they are from California, but I can't help thinking the title of this latest disc refers to tanning one's bod until the desired shade is acquired. I protect my ghostly pallor at all costs, but that's just me. Pollo Del Mar has always had a knack for creating atmospheric surf instrumentals and this release is further proof of their slick sonic prowess. There are two covers, a sparse, reverb rich version of Edvard Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King" and a straight ahead surf version of the Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf." The other nine tracks are band originals. Some of the titles are taken from literature. If John D. McDonald, represented by the song, "A Flash of Green" and Philip K. Dick, given an homage by "Ubik" are examples of the band members' favorite authors, we have more in common than just a love of twangy guitars, smooth melodies and crisp rhythm. The band has chosen to concentrate on their chosen genre rather than chase after the latest trends. If shooting the curl is part of your vocabulary, Pollo Del Mar should be part of your life's soundtrack.
Rock N Roll Purgatory
Issue #14

This is a surf album with a new-age feel, having almost a spiritual quality, like a transcendent exploration of the abyss. Beautifully captured fluidity, a swirling serenity, itís like floating in a smooth vortex of ultra-clear tones and bubbling waters. "Mare Amniotica" explores the seascape of the womb, then a version of "Hall of the Mountain King" seems to slowly rise from the depths and build towards its proper elevation. ěMagyaraî is their take on gypsy music played in the Hungarian minor scale, and it ends with reverby memorial to Joe Strummer on "Charlie Donít Surf." This is one to put on, kick back, and relax in tranquility. - BL


All Music Guide
Review by Richie Unterberger

Pollo Del Mar may offer a familiar bag of instrumental surf music tricks on The Golden State, but it's a well-executed and versatile one. Wavering bent notes, quasi-Latin minor-key melodies, a mauling of a standard ("Hall of the Mountain King"), a touch of Davie Allan menace, gentler stuff with a tone that's both searing and serene ("As Above, So Below"), basic good-time chug, even hints of reggae and polka rhythms -- all this and more are here. The guitars conjure an admirable arsenal of tones and textures, from sirens and lonely pinging riffs to earthquake-rumbling bass. There's not much else to say about what they do, but what they do they do with efficiency, varying the mood more than many another retro-surf combo. Other than "Hall of the Mountain King," everything's original save for one other rather off-the-wall cover choice, the Clash's "Charlie Don't Surf."

The Continental
Reviewed by Sean Barry

While I have always dug traditional, early '60's style surf more than modern prog surf, the new Pollo del Mar disc may make me give some modern recordings a closer listen. This is without a doubt the best Pollo Del Mar release to date, showing off their impeccable playing, songwriting and recording skills. You can tell right off the bat that these guys have bben at it for a while - the sounds and textures these guys use are amazing. With such a range of sounds and moods, this is undoubtably a release that has great "crossover potential." In other words, it's got what it takes to appeal to appeal to just about anyone. Also, it's been such a long time since I have seen such erotic cover art - reminds me of what you might have found on some low-budget, Living Strings release of the mid-70's with lots of groaning and moaning throughout the songs. ****1/2

Splendid Magazine
Review by Phillip Buchan

Not to be confused with the similarly titled Bush album, The Golden State is Pollo Del Mar's third studio full-length, and one of the only instrumental surf rock albums I've heard in ages (Atomic 7's latest being the only other I've noticed this year). Though their melodic spy guitar riffs will command most of your attention on first listen, it's Pollo Del Mar's fluid rhythms that really make these songs work. Some tracks come too close to latter-day Yes's melodramatic pop prog for my tastes, this is a pretty solid offering that serves as a nice change of pace from everything else the record industry is hawking these days.

Pipeline
Issue 66
Review by Dave Burke

With this release Pollo Del Mar establish themselves as yet another top of the tree instro band working broadly in the modern surf idiom. The quality of performances on this CD are extremely high indeed. Try listening to Hall of the Mountain King for example where the band shifts the tempo of the track with deceptive ease, staying telepathically tight, while all kinds of sonic mayhem passes through the carefully thought out arrangement. Let's make it clear, though, that the three guitars and drums of Pollo del Mar are not in the straight revivalist bag, their brief is to take the feel and spirit of sixties surf (and allied instros) and then recycle it with 21st century muscle in a knowing and sharply intelligent way. They succeed, managing to retain echoes from the past but also sounding as fresh as today's tide.

The opening track, 7 sisters 7 Seas, sets out the band's stall in a restrained but assured way, with drummer Jeremiah Rexford laying down a measured tom-tom tattoo and guitarists Ferenc Dobronyi and Jono Jones combining to layer a closely meshed lead and rhythm pattern that suggest impressive things to come. A Flash of Green follows, and initially it seems a simple drum and guitar number, but as the we reach the middle eight, it suddenly blossoms with an impressive lead theme, then, as we return to the main riff, a second and third guitar are introduced to solo alongside the central riff, returning to the bridge once more to deliver an exciting climax to the track. Red Asphalt is likewise convincing - a solid bass intro from Jefferson Turner, a sudden ascent into gear with rhythm guitar chording gently over the throb of the band, lead guitar is introduced andÝ then the rhythm guitar grows ever more aggressive as it cuts into the mix, pushing the band along and sparking exciting cameos from lead, bass and drums.

Dripping Springs TX begins with an entirely different flavour with a flowing acoustic-like rhthm and galloping snare as the lead guitarist introduces an evocative deep-toned western flavoured melody, partnered by a descending run that is sheer inspiration. By contrast, Mare Amniotica is a relaxed mood piece with tom-toms and maracas providing a restrained rhythm backdrop while a gentle lead guitar and beaten cymbals that ebb and flow like the waves and can't help but remind of Albatross. Magyara has a sort of Hungarian gypsy flavour about it and also includes guest accordianist Libby McLaren who contributes some nice touches as the band ups the tempo for a little campfire dancing. The six minute UBIK - in honour of a sci-fi novel by Philip K Dick - is, as you might expect, the most "out there" track with a more heavy sound and style. I think it's true to say that it will not be the toast of Shadows Fans, but I liked it! The CD finishes on a bright surfy reworking of The Clash's Charlie Don't Surf - just to prove how absolutely wrong Joe and Mick were!
Ý So, to sum up, Pollo del Mar are clearly experienced, intelligent musicians who have a broad knowledge of music - a bunch of clever bastards really - their arrangements are choc full of creative touches that make them a constantly engaging and, indeed, challenging listen. Be up to it. Oh, I should say that there is a video clip included on the CD which sadly I do not have the technology to access, but, it says here, it contains unfetterd psychedelic nude dancers tripping with wild abandon, Perhaps, at my age, it's just as well.
Surf Rock Music.com
reviewed by Justin Hayes

I never was a surfer dude in spite of a deep desire to be one. I don't even own a surfboard. My wife would think it took up too much space in the garage and that I would fall off and get eaten by a shark were I to bring one home. Besides, I drive a behemoth SUV, live in a behemoth house, watch a behemoth wide screen digital TV and I can't live without Starbucks serving me up a behemoth cup of yuppie go-juice each and every day. Uh-huh, all the things that make us worship at the altar of the Almighty Dollar instead of living our dreams. So, what should a self-respecting wanna-be King of Surf do? Decide that when faced with this particular dry reality, a wet fantasy might serve just as well. Enter Pollo Del Mar: The Golden State. I popped the disc into my CD player. It was destiny...*

7 Sisters, 7 Seas - Mystical music from the Twilight Zone. 7 Sisters, 7 Seas is coiling smoothly from six (yes! six!) speakers, wrapping me in a wave of beauty. These guys are good! I've decided to replay this one several times before moving to the next track. I do. It's worth it. I think I'm in touch with Rod Serling.

A Flash of Green - Pollo Del Mar is coming through for me! A Flash of Green begins with understated elegance and builds to a powerful climax. Driven by its heavy surf beat, I feel like I can roar. By now it's clear why Pollo is one of the best bands around today.

Red Asphalt - I play Red Asphalt five times just to hear that fantastic opening sequence. It sounds disturbing, but great. I have to know what it's about so I pop the insert out of the jewel box to read. Ick. Seems Red Asphalt is based on a "gory driver's education movie" shown to high school kids. Well, I'll give the guys credit for making me look. Great music and, like any sane immortal, I'm going to drive at a more reasonable speed from now on.

Dripping Springs, TX - Pollo Del Mar's western influenced song keeps me busy trying to figure out how they got so good. I close my eyes and see Clint Eastwood silhouetted on a ridge. Pollo plays exquisitely and I press further into my seat to enjoy the call of the west. Sergio Leone beckons and the band opens fire with a Fistful of Music ... errr ... ummm ... Dripping Springs, TX.

Bottom Feeder Boogie - I bump and grind my way through Bottom Feeder Boogie. What the hell, it's hard to stand still with this tune tugging at your groin. It's a horny song. Where's my wife?

Mare Amniotica - Liquid, totally liquid ... and positively beautiful. I know, I know. Songs are not supposed to be physical entities. Well, I beg to differ. Mare Amniotica has a tangible, almost touchable, feel that makes it liquid. This song is liquid. This song is liquid. This song is liquid.

Hall of the Mountain King - Edvard Grieg! Four years in college and that's about all I remember, but I do remember that this is one of Grieg's greatest hits and that he was a Norwegian. I grab my phone to dial up Duke so I can gloat over such an incredible memory when I suddenly remember that Duke doesn't do phones. Chances of reaching him are none and noner. That's okay, I'm listening to the best rendition of Hall of the Mountain King I've ever heard and Duke isn't, so that's good enough to make me smile. He might be a big guy, but I have sounds! And six, count them! six!, speakers.

Magyara - Gypsy style music at its best. Pollo adds just the right amount of wanderlust to make me want to go out and buys some crystal balls. My wife thinks that's a great idea.

UBIK - Fun, if you're hyped on lightning ... and UBIK delivers a big jolt of the hot bolt. Great drumming. Great music. Great everything.

As Above, So Below - This is reminding me of many days on the beach, the dreams of my teen years, the choices I've made, the highways I've traveled and the roads I've neglected to take. Pollo Del Mar has written a song that is good for introspection, beatific in its ability to bring both a smile and a tear. My mind drifts back to the sun drenched waves, Duke's music always cutting through the nights, girls in bikinis that would now be considered modest but which were so very daring in those days. A fire on the beach and stars in the sky greeting our surf-weary bodies. We did, indeed, feel immortal.

Charlie Donít Surf - And neither does Justin. Surfy, lively and very sixties. This is a cool surf tune ... even if Justin and Charlie Donít Surf.

QuickTime MPEG: UBIK Live - An excellent bonus to a great instrumental CD, Pollo Del Mar performs UBIK. The band is on my screen, a girl dancing, colors flashing, music playing and I'm psychedelicized.

*...I got to spend a day being immortal, a King of Surf, at least in my mind. Pollo Del Mar's The Golden State made it happen for me. Now that's the mark of an incredible band!



Louisville Music NewsÝ
By David Lilly
Space...Inner & Outer
The Golden State (MuSick Recordings)
Pollo Del Mar

Some say the final frontier isn't space, it's the oceans on this planet. Pollo Del Mar's music goes either way, depending on how you interpret it. A splendid and exciting experience it is when progressive rock merges with surf rock. Despite the lack of either genre on mainstream radio or music charts, both maintain huge and loyal followings worldwide. PDM is one of the bands most successful at playing that blend and The Golden State is their latest work. It's also their home state's moniker and a state of both mind and physical being depicted by Monica, the Tiki Goddess, in the cover art. That's worth the cost even without the music, so ... great package.
There's no testing the water in this environment. PDM plunges into the first number, "7 Sisters 7 Seas," with a splash of drums and cymbals that opens the gates for soaring and floating guitars. "Red Asphalt" is a rock 'n' roll showcase for the band's guitarists, who complement one another gracefully throughout the song. It boils but does not overcook, as one guitarist takes the lead while the other supports with solid, playful backup; the backup never overshadows the lead.
"Mare Amniotica" takes the album to a mellow and psychedelic place. For my ears, this is as close as any (other) band has come to Mermen territory, which is quite impressive. The inclusion of "Hall of the Mountain King" is an interesting story, especially since PDM has played it live for years. A 19th century composition by Edvard Grieg, it is one of those catchy melodies you're sure you've heard before but can't place. PDM guitarist Jono Jones is a fan of space-rock pioneers Hawkwind, who did "Hall of the Mountain Grill." Jones brought the song to the band. Though "Grill" and "King" are different musically, Hawkwind & Grieg have met here.
You're probably sick of hearing songs on radio that blend surf, reggae and polka, but take a deep breath and open your mind for "Magyara." No harm in trying and you might be glad you did. Calling all Clash fans: Take note of the instro version of "Charlie Don't Surf," in memory of Joe Strummer, that ends the audio portion of the CD. Last, but not least, there's a video taste of PDM for those of us who can't get out west to see a gig.
To hear for yourself and keep up with Pollo Del Mar (by the way, that translates to "Chicken of the Sea"), skip the surfing part and progress straight over to www.pollodelmar.com, the band's dolphin-safe website. It's an in-house setup too, courtesy of guitarist Ferenc Dobronyi and fretless bassist/low-end rocket launch pad artist, Jeff Turner.


Phil Dirt - Reverb Central
PO Box 7240, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-7240 USA

album cover Pollo Del Mar The Golden State 5 stars
Label: MuSick Recordings 23

Well, it doesn't get much better than this! the new CD from Pollo Del Mar is simply stunning!

Picks: 7 Sisters, 7 Seas, A Flash Of Green, Red Asphalt, Dripping Springs, TX, Bottom Feeder Boogie, Mare Amniotica, Hall Of The Mountain King, Magyara, UBIK, As Above, So Below, Charlie Don't Surf, UBIK*PG-13-live

"7 Sisters, 7 Seas" 5 stars *****
"7 Sisters, 7 Seas" features an exotic, tribal, and nearly Indian beat dramatically supporting the kind of melody only Pollo Del Mar can create. This is a spectacular song with danger and mystery, and a sense of open space and shorelines. The gritty rhythm track provides a great contrast to the spatial lead guitar. Thoroughly wonderful!
"A Flash Of Green" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Those PDM chords and the lure of the curl are abundant in "A Flash Of Green," which has a delicate whammy sound and coastal adventure feel. There is more than surf here, with writing and arranging that are brilliant. A magnificent song.
"Red Asphalt" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Inspired by the CHP gore films from your high school drivers ed. classes, "Red Asphalt" has a dangerous edge, with power and fire and a fine surf rhythm. Great drums and an angular drive.
"Dripping Springs, TX" 5 stars 5 stars *****
"Dripping Springs, TX" is endowed with the mystery and dangerous moodiness of a spaghetti western. It's an open range cactus surf drama perfect for the big screen. With an infectious rhythm and rolling beat, it is a spectacular song, rich in melody and full of visionary outdoor space. Excellent!
"Bottom Feeder Boogie" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Great drums launch "Bottom Feeder Boogie" with tribal emotion. Contrasting guitar lines play off each other to create an uneasy sense of being on the run, but just about to be netted. Both unusual and wonderfully intense.
"Mare Amniotica" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Born of the sea, "Mare Amniotica" is a stunningly moving piece of music. Slow and very visual, airy and foggy, it's a hauntingly beautiful song. Why Pollo Del Mar hasn't been nabbed for soundtrack work I'll never know, but if ever there was evidence for the case, this is it. Beautiful with sweeping imagery.
"Hall Of The Mountain King" 5 stars
Starting off slowly, gently rising from the bass through the damped reverb, "Hall Of The Mountain King" gradually moves from lush and aquatic through playful and bountiful to nearly manic and shark-like. Pollo Del Mar has reinvented the song through imaginative arranging and exceptionally fine production. Wow!
"Magyara" 5 stars 5 stars *****
"Magyara" is a marvelous Mediterranean line dance kinda thing that's too groovy for mere words. The fluid writing and arranging talents of the band are crystal clear. Ferenc Dobronyi wrote it for his dad. A fine instro in the tradition of the Mediterranean influences in surf.
"UBIK" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Angular tone and dueling guitar lines, a vibrating circular rhythm, distortion and intensity, with surf is just over the crest as dawn approaches. "UBIK" drips surf and sun and adventure. A brilliant piece of writing. very big and powerful, with soaring power.
"As Above, So Below" 4 stars 5 stars ****
"As Above, So Below" is a very pretty track that Pollo Del Mar has been playing since their inception. Slow, haunting, and melodic, and it seems finally to have reached its potential. Beautifully eerie and magnetic.
"Charlie Don't Surf" 5 stars 5 stars *****
Finally committed to disc, Pollo Del Mar's cut of the Clash's peon to surf has become very VERY surf. The rhythm is infectious, the bass solid, the drums perfect, and the glissandoes right on. A thoroughly wonderful track!
"UBIK*PG-13" [live] 5 stars
A solid live take of "UBIK" with MPEG video is the bonus track here. The incredibly period psychedelic nude dancers add to the seriously swirly feel of the song. If ever there was a visual behind a surfband and liquid psychedelic video mix that portrayed the surf, this is it. Imagine the Fillmore 1967 with a surf band on stage! marvelous!

New Gandy Dancer
Reviewed by Dave Peckett
Lovely atmospheric start with Seven Sisters, just bursting with creativity from PDM - quiet to begin with before a great build-up. It's uptempo twin guitars for Flash of Green, anoither exciting original, amazingly sounding like Paul Keyes Surf Trek in sections. Red Asphalt is a rocking, twanging exercise with special effects to entice. Great rhythm guitar behind a Satriani-esque Dripping Springs, another good cut. Among the usual bunch of classy originals, there's one of the very best arrangements of Hall of the Mountain King we've ever heard. Lovely, twanging , but respectful too, with excellent drumming in support. I think Pollo Del Mar are now miles away from your average surf band, and justifyably so, they play some delightful, progressive lilting guitar pieces and this is a grand album. ****


ProgNaut.com
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs

Pollo Del Mar (Chicken of the Sea) first came to my attention when I received a package from Musick Recordings which contained a promo pack as well as a jewel case cd of The Golden State. Basically Pollo Del Mar combines classic surf rock ala Dick Dale and fuses it with symphonic and progressive elements with occasional leanings to jazz-fusion. In addition to the original music on the album they have a rocking rendition of Grieg's Hall Of The Mountain King.

The Golden State is a very good addition to fanís of instrumental guitar rock and it would be a welcomed addition to us prog lovers. Please do yourself a favor and check out the samples on the bandís website then purchase a copy today.

New Eleki Dynamica
Yuzo Sasaki

eleki