Mermaid A Go Go
Altered State Of Reverb, 2020
9/10
If you had your ear towards the surf-rock scene in the ‘90s, and especially Estrus Records, you might remember The Neptunas, who put out several records on the Sympathy For The Record Industry label. Although they’ve played occasionally since 2000, the trio have been very part time as a band, but here all 3 original members, Leslita, Pamita and Laura Bethita, return with a new album recorded in Mexico.
“Billy The Squid’s Water Pistol”, an instrumental, starts the listen with shimmering guitar work as tumbling drums enter the restrained yet adventurous setting that’s very much indebted to surf rock but recruits some Mariachi ideas, too and “Secret Of The Sea” follows with playful garage rock as pretty vocals guide the punchy and harmonic rocker.
Closer to the middle, “Shark Tooth Necklace” shakes and rolls with crisp percussion, guitar acrobatics and group vocals that sounds like it could soundtrack an action movie, while “Lord Jim” is syrupy sweet pop melodica that you can’t help but tap your toe to and nod your head. “Nancy Drew’s Wetsuit”, one of the album’s best, then explores darker textures as the trio work together dynamically with a spy flick sort of approach.
Near the end, “School Is A Drag” brings some of the best singing as the ultra tuneful music complements the glorious harmonies, and “The Lonely Bull” sways with some western flavor as wordless vocals add much to the rare cover. Of the 3 bonus tracks, “Neptuna Car Wash” is particularly jangly and fun, and “Sorority Stomp” exits the listen with some guitar crunch that tips it hat to the ‘90s in all the best ways.
Comeback albums are rarely this successful, as the one time all instrumental outfit now use vocals on most tunes, with all members singing fluidly. Although primarily a surf-rock focused effort, fans of punk, garage, and even ‘60s girl groups won’t be disappointed.
Travels well with: Los Straitjackets- Deke Dickerson Sings The Great Instrumental Hits; Man Or Astro-Man?- Experiment Zero