A huge thank you to TJ Drucker at NYS Music for the incredible review.

Hearing Aide: Underwater Bosses ‘Aqua La Vista’

The Great Lakes are the biggest lake system on Earth with a total shoreline of 10,900 miles, more than the East and West US coasts combined. It should come as no surprise that Syracuse is home to a burgeoning Surf Rock scene and the birthplace of Underwater Bosses. These guys have been playing together in numerous projects for over 2 decades, but finally formed this band last September. Their debut album, Aqua La Vista, was released in April and consists of 12 original tracks that perfectly capture the spirit of the sport, that made the genre famous.

“Ride of the Surfers Ride” opens the album with everything you’d hope for in a surf rock song. Wet, arching guitar riffs, head bobbing drum beats and a bass line to boogie to. “Basshead” takes that and turns it up even higher, all while adding a salty organ to the mix. This is the kind album you play in your car on a sunny day with the windows down. In fact, it was the “Between the Black Sea and Me” that made me get into my car to take a drive in order to fully appreciate the sound and style of this album.

“Red Tide” is a prime example of how this band’s sound can make their music feel oceanic in size. This song itself is a powerhouse; large from the get-go like the algae blooms it’s named after. This band continues to encapsulate the feeling of surfing with a sound that swells in and out like the sea itself. “KGB Tsunami,” my favorite instrumental surf track on the album, has a super catchy guitar riff and Chris Stewart really lets his inner Dick Dale shine as he makes you feel like James Bond is catching waves. Bob Breen’s intense drumming can’t be highlighted by a single track but “Surfin Hand” really showcases his talent. The same can be said for Greg Bresett on bass, who obviously shines on “Basshead” but really kicks it up on “Heavy the Ride.”

This album also consists of two vocal surf tracks and the really hold their own amongst the instrumental surf tracks. “Turtle Neck Sweater Zombies” is infinitely catchy and fits nicely in the first half of the album. However, “Surfin Lullaby” is the most unique song on this album and also the most beautiful. It shines a lovely light on how great this band is and would be a lovely cap to the album, but a better one is certainly the last full track, “Surftacular”. It’s just one last all-out surf fest until the end. While this album is a must-listen for any fan of the surf rock genre, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, fun and frenetic sound.
- TJ Drucker

Read at NYS Music...

Thank you to THE SURFPHONY OF DERSTRUCTION 2000 for the kind words and including us in the latest podcast!

"WE HAD SOME FRESH MUSIC ON EPISODE 82 FROM Underwater Bosses! ALONG WITH THAT, THEY ARE #2 IN THE Surf Rock Radio SINGLES CHARTS! YOU'LL LIKE THESE FELLAS IF YOU'RE INTO THE HEAVIER SIDE OF SURF. THE UNDERWATER BOSSES PLAY A MORE LOUD PUNK-STYLE OF SURF, CRUNCHY RIFFS AND NASTY GUITAR!"

- Derk Brigante - THE SURFPHONY OF DERSTRUCTION 2000

Listen to Episode 82 Here

Surfphony of Derstruction 2000

Big shout out to all the podcasts and radio broadcasts which have included Underwater Bosses in their playlists. If you like surf rock, surf punk, instro music and more, check out the following broadcasts.

Instros Only - from KCR radio at SDSU

' "Instros Only" is a show that features an eclectic mix of all instrumental songs from multiple genres. Lots of surf tunes, old and new, but also songs from the likes of Booker T & the MGs, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, The Allman Brothers Band, The Alan Parsons Project, Junior Brown, just to name a few. I've been doing this show in one form or another from KCR since 2001.'

Six Foot Plus - Episode 254 - The music of 2019 (so farther)

'Started in 2011, Six Foot Plus is a music showcase podcast for those who like it spooky. A music podcast featuring psychobilly, horror punk, demented surf, mutant garage and whatever else we dig up.'

Tangerina - Surf & Destroy

'Combining the useful with the pleasant, the taste of passing music' - Tangerine

Instros Only - from KCR radio at SDSU
Six Foot Plus
Tangerine

We'd like to thank The Ice Cream Man Power Pop & More. Underwater Bosses was chosen to be part of 'The Ice Cream Man Power Pop & More - Screwballs & Curveballs' compilation album.

Ride of the Surfer's Ride - Free Download - Available NOW on Bandcamp!

"Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More!" is a radio show promoting new and established artists in the fields of Power Pop, Mod, Surf, Punk, New Wave, Northern Soul and more.

Albums featured here are part of an ongoing project to help promote the bands further in "Ice Cream Man presents....."

"Screwballs and Curveballs" Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More compilation

Check out this awesome review of our album “Aqua La Vista”. A great big THANK YOU to Slams Review and Shakin Katz Radio for the kind words!

In one form or another Underwater Bosses have been kickin' around upper New York state for a few years. Most notably as The Beard and Surfer R Cool. In late 2018 they became Underwater Bosses and things started to break. They recorded their debut album earlier this year and Sharawaji Records quickly signed them up and for good reason. That debut album "Aqua La Vista" is one killer and stout release. This puppy punches the clock in with 12 original tracks of surf rock/surf punk. Hell, they even throw in a couple of tracks with vocals and a little math rock, just to keep you on your toes. This is aggressive surf that doesn't overload you and comes off as robust and refreshing. Highlights include: "Basshead", "Surftacular", "Ride Of The Surfer's Ride", "Surfin' Hand" and "KGB Tsunami".

Over all this is a one impressive debut album and one that you should snag up. It will have you hitting the repeat button on a regular basis, so what more do you want? Highly recommended!!

Slams Reviews 2 : Underwater Bosses - Aqua La Vista