Generic Surf Band at Red Dwarf's Sunday Surf Brunch, Sunday April 14, 2024

 I've been meaning to check out "Generic Surf Band" (I'm assuming no "The") for a while now as our old pal, Mark Bartchi is playing drums with them (I've literally lost count of how many other bands he is currently playing in) and our friend Nikki has wanted us to meet guitarist Phil, so we finally made it out today to Red Dwarf to see them hosting the Sunday Surf Brunch. They play trad surf (natch!) from noon until 3:00 with some drink specials and great deals on Detroit-style pizza!

We were running some other errands, as well, so weren't drinking, but dug some white pizza today as we came in during their first set and left during their 3rd set, so got a good variety of tunes from Mark, Phil and bassist Ed.

With a great, traditional sound, this reverb-heavy three piece played plenty of traditional surf numbers through the ages, with cuts from giants like Link Wray and the Ventures, along with plenty of one-hit-wonder-numbers! They are not afraid to take off on tangents, including bass solos (with either a Hofner violin bass or a Hammer 12-string bass!), drum excursions and lots of reverb-soaked guitar! Mark is always the consummate professional and always great to see him play (his 60's-based style totally fits the surf genre, although he can do lots of other styles) and isn't afraid to throw in some curve balls to have some fun with the tunes. The group had videos playing behind them, including the surf episode of Batman, for when they played the theme song! They even brought up one of the bartenders (I am so terrible with names that I forgot hers - sorry!) for a spot on take on another oldie. (I've got to get back in the habit of taking notes if I'm going to go back out to shows!)

Totally fun time, great atmosphere, fine pizza and cool tunes. We will certainly try to get out to these more often, although weekends are already way too short!