Information/Write-up
Released: February 28, 2021
Mark Brodie: guitar, bass, organ
Rod Moore: drums
Trevor Laishley: rhythm guitar
All songs written by Mark Brodie, except: "Paradise Cove" (The Surfmen); "High Wall" (The Wailers); "Lonely Surfer" (Jack Nitzsche)
Recorded at Soundhouse, Vancouver, British Columbia (tracks 1-10 )
Recorded at Greengate Studios, Langley, British Columbia (tracks 11-14)
Artwork by Dr. Alderete
The Metalunas – Interstellar Surf Party (The Lost EP)
This EP was originally scheduled for release in 2003, but the label vanished before it could see the light of day. Mark Brodie recounts the story:
Back in 2003, The Metalunas were contacted by a guy in Texas who was launching a record label called K.R.E.E.P.Y. Records. He wanted us to record an EP for him, as well as contribute some tracks to upcoming compilation releases.
We recorded four songs for the planned release, titled Interstellar Surf Party. The artwork was completed, and everything was ready to go. Then… the owner literally vanished off the face of the earth!
He stopped responding to emails, wouldn't answer his phone, and never returned messages. We were left with our four songs and no explanation for the label's disappearance.
At first, we wondered if something had happened to him. More likely, he ran out of money. Through some research, I discovered he had also commissioned a batch of promotional items for the label, including tiki mugs designed by a well-known Mexican artist—the same artist who had designed the EP artwork.
Recently, while digging through my CD collection, I stumbled upon these lost recordings, which I previously thought had disappeared. I figured: waste not, want not, and decided to post them on YouTube.
Track Reviews
Bikini Party ★★★★★
Mark Brodie’s signature melodic instincts shine in Bikini Party. A chunky surf rhythm and walking bassline drive the track, while the drums complement the style perfectly. A truly excellent surf tune!
The Lonely Surfer ★★★
A solid cover of Jack Nitzsche’s haunting slow-burner, The Lonely Surfer. The Metalunas replace the original's horns with organ, giving it a smoother, less brash tone. Quite nice!
Do The Scratch N Sniff ★★★★
This track bounces with an island holiday feel, packed with charm. The playful chants of “Hey!” add extra energy, making it a really fun listen.
Gidget Must Die ★★★★★
A bit darker and spy-like, featuring great whammy and island chords over a solid, driving rhythm. It's moody yet optimistic, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the title was inspired by the book Gidget Must Die. No matter—this track stands out!
The Metalunas are: Mark Brodie (Guitar, Bass, Organ), Rod Moore (Drums), Trevor Laishley (Rthym Guitar).
All songs written by Mark Brodie except “Paradise Cove” (The Surfmen), “High Wall” (The Wailers) and “Lonely Surfer” (Jack Nitzsche).
Tracks 1-10 recorded at Soundhouse, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Tracks 11-14 recorded at Greengate Studios, Langley, BC, Canada.
credits
released February 28, 2021
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REVIEW
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The Metalunas - Interstellar Surf Party (The Lost EP) ****
This ep was slated for release in 2003, but the label disappeared faster than it appeared, and it never saw the light of day. Mark Brodie tells the tale:
Back in 2003 The Metalunas were contacted by a guy in Texas who was planning to start a record label called K.R.E.E.P.Y. Records, and he wanted us to do an EP for him, as well as some tracks for other upcoming compilation releases.
We recorded four songs for the planned release called Interstellar Surf Party. The artwork was done and everything was ready to go. And then... the owner literally vanished off the face of the earth!
He stopped responding to emails and wouldn't pick up his phone or return any messages. We were left with our four songs and no explanation as to the record's cancellation or the disappearance of our record label exec.
We started to wonder if maybe he'd died or something. More likely, he ran out of money. I discovered through some research online that he'd also commissioned a bunch of promotional items for his label, including some tiki mugs designed by a well-known artist from Mexico... the same artist who'd designed the EP artwork.
Anyway, I was digging through my CD collection the other day and came across the songs, which I previously thought I had lost. I figured: waste not, want not, and decided to post them on YouTube.
Bikini Party ***** /// Mark Brodie's sense of melody remains unsurpassed, as is evidenced by "Bikini Party." Chunky surf rhythm and a walking bass line drive the song, and the drums are just right for its style. This is totally excellent!
The Lonely Surfer *** /// This is a solid cover of Jack Nitzsche slow haunted hit "The Lonely Surfer." The Metalunas do it with tremolo coolness and restrained power. The organ subs for the horns for a less brash sound. Quite nice!
Do The Scratch N Sniff **** /// With a sort of island holiday melody, "Do The Scratch N Sniff" bounces and charms. It's really hard not to like this, and the chants of "hey" add spunk. Really fun track!
Gidget Must Die ***** /// A little dark and spy like, this song features great whammy and island chords, and a solid, compelling rhythm. On the moody side, but still optimistic. I don't know if "Gidget Must Die" borrows its title from the book of the same name, but, no matter.
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