It was surf night at the Slice, April 10. There was a decent sized crowd, though I expected more people there to enjoy the show.
Local surf rock band the Atomicos featuring Guitarists Lance Semak and Tyson Wiebe, drummer Chris Lipinski and bassist Ryan Williamson played an array of twangy, surf inspired instrumentals, which touched on spaghetti western and science fiction inspired sounds as well.
They were tight, bright and enjoyable.
“Zombies vs. Ninjas,” was one of the more spaghetti western influenced highlights which Wiebe introduced by speaking through an old school, microphoned telephone receiver.
The bass was front and centre during their set with some pretty complex bass lines. “ Snaker” was another highlight as was something Wiebe introduced as “The Cowboy Song.”
If the Atomicos were good, the 427s took things to a whole other level with their set of catchy, bright, more straight ahead traditional surf music including several Ventures songs.
Bassist Eve Hell, who usually plays with her rockabilly band Eve Hell and the Razors stepped in like a pro for her first gig with the 427s. Guitarists Chris Van Keir and Rob Day took turns playing lead lines while drummer Geoff May held everything together perfectly with tasteful fills and a solid beat, locking in all of the members. Chris van Keir grinned ear to ear and jumped around centre stage.