The Agents of Reverb – Self Titled 12” EP
The Agents of REVERB are a far-out group playing surf and spy/detective music from TV and films of the 1960s, with a nod to rockabilly, R&B, soul and instro shakers. Over the last 2 years The Agents of REVERB have been performing live across Melbourne, punching well above their weight, wowing crowds at full house gigs like the Halloween Thursday at The Retreat main stage and Tote front bar arvo.
Recently in 2024 they’ve finely tuned their skills and songwriting chops in advance by recording demos at their secret mountain lair. This made the real recording sessions a smoother mission and fun experience, which you can hear in the recordings. They capture the spirit, live performance energy and wry humour that is… The Agents of REVERB!
Sound engineer extraordinaire Michael Hubbard of the Shrimp Shack was at the helm of the recordings. Initial recording sessions were done in a large old reception centre, capturing the hall’s beautiful natural reverb especially on the drums. Next, many productive and enjoyable mixing nights upstairs in The Shrimp Shack with a lot of bad jokes and music nerd banter. Lastly at the Mastering stage by Joseph Carra of Crystal Mastering Pty Ltd, the final polish, extra vintage tone, sparkle and warmth was added – especially to the vinyl masters.
Listen to NEW EP here https://on.soundcloud.com/hGWa5exs7krUCgXp8
Vincent Priceless is an original horror, dark surf instrumental. A tribute to Vincent Price, beloved for his work in horror films. Its dramatic pipe-organ intro sets moods of tension and ends with Agent Yaraslav’s maniacal laughter, an obvious nod to a certain Thrilling collaboration.
The Chase is a clever and skillful original spy jazz instrumental that evokes the famous movie car chases from the original Fast and the Furious (1955) to Bullitt (1968). Inspired by soundtracks composed by the likes of Lalo Shifren and Henri Mancini, the 60s era electric piano lead gives an air of intrigue and suspense, driving the tension of the pursuit to its conclusion.
Upwey Surf is an original surf instrumental, evoking the crashing surf, even when you’re living in the rainforests of Melbourne’s Yarra ranges 80 kms from the nearest surf break. A nod to the classic surf music by The Pyramids, Chantays and The Atlantics.
Taboo is a surf re-interpretation of a Jazz/Exotica classic. Twangin’ baritone guitar with bucket loads of reverb and tremolo, killer drum groove, percussion and Brazilian guiro shakers. It builds to a crescendo with majestic piano chords, jungle monkey calls & bird cries, Haunting Spaghetti Western-esque Melodica builds this to its exotic finale.
A Shot In The Dark is a clever satirical spy theme by Henri Mancini. With Guitar riffs over the walking bass and the French themed accordion taking on the melody, it all seems appropriately ridiculous for accompanying the incompetent sleuthing of Inspector Clouseau.
Shakin’ All Over originally by British R&B band Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, The Agents of REVERB re-arrangement has unique, passionate female vocals with gritty rock ‘n’ roll owing more to Normie Rowe (Aust) and The Guess Who? (Canada) mid 60s versions, it has that killer drum break too.
Spybeat is driving a Surf rock, at times almost Surf Punk instrumental, with 60s organ, whoops and yells and is the ideal, wild closer for our live gigs. Originally by Swedish band The Langhorns.