Madeira Press, Articles, & Reviews

 

Contents

• The Madeira: between the coasts, surf rock lives on
• Destination: Earth! debriefing session
• Surf boards, Austrian economics and "Pulp Fiction"
• Pipeline Magazine Review of Carpe Noctem
• The Vault (Spanish Radio Show) Comments on Carpe Noctem
• Carpe Noctem Review from New Gandy Dancer
• WHAT'S UP! MAGAZINE (Bellingham, WA)
• Instro-Rama A-Go-Go Review of Carpe Noctem
• HangNine Review of Carpe Noctem
• Carpe Noctem Review by Phil Dirt of Reverb Central
• Surf Rock Night Show Preview from NUVO.net
• Guitar Player Magazine
• Pipeline Review of Ruins
• What's Up! Magazine Review of Ruins
• New Gandy Dancer Review of Sandstorm
• Ruins Review by Phil Dirt from Reverb Central
• Pipeline Review of Sandstorm
• Billybop Review of Sandstorm
• Professor's band releases new surf-rock album
• Sandstorm Review by Phil Dirt of Reverb Central
• INtake Weekly Article, Jan 26 2006
• IndianapolisMusic.net Artist of the Week
• Phil Dirt Review of Rehearsal Recordings
• Double Crown Records Rehearsal Recordings Review
• Shout Out from Phantom Frank
• Local Economist Rocks With Surf Style

 

The Madeira: between the coasts, surf rock lives on

Ivan Pongracic, lead guitarist of The Madeira, is such an expert on surf music, he can school a neophyte to the genre in minutes.

“Everybody’s heard of it, you just might not know what it is,” he says. “Think Pulp Fiction.”

And think Dick Dale’s “Miserlou,” perhaps the surf rock classic, and the soundtrack to Travolta and Thurman’s dance at Jack Rabbit Slim’s. It’s all about Dale’s “wet” guitar, for Pongracic: “The reverb guitar is a very specific sound. It’s that washed-out, bottom-of-a-well sound.”

Pongracic and the rest of the four-piece, Indianapolis-based surf band The Madeira will headline “Indiana Surf Explosion!” at the Melody Inn this Friday. Also on the bill are The Troubadours, Destination: Earth!, and The Space Cossacks. Pongracic plays lead guitar for three of the groups: The Troubadours, a tribute band to the British pop group The Shadows (“Apache”), The Space Cossacks, his first surf band to play originals and The Madeira.

Pongracic admits that “it’s completely insane to play in three bands in one night,” but he’ll have help from the rest of The Madeira: Patrick O’Connor on rhythm guitar, Dane Carter on drums and Todd Fortier on bass.

The Madeira most recently toured in California and Italy, where they headlined the Surfer Joe Festival in Livorno, Italy. Pongracic explains: “Surf music’s roots are in California, but it’s really worldwide at this point.”

He says the Surfer Joe Festival in Italy, now a major surf music festival, was started inconspicuously by a guy who loved surf music and decided he wanted to put together a festival.

“It’s the way anything happens with surf music,” Pongracic says. “A handful of individuals who are passionate and make things happen. It’s a highly underground genre, but people who are into it are really into it.”

After Friday’s show, The Madeira will head to Dayton, Ohio, for another festival, Surf Ohio FesTiki, where they’ll be playing along with several other bands, including The Space Cossacks.

All of The Madeira live in Indianapolis but Pongracic, who commutes from Michigan for practices. “We’re definitely an Indy-based band,” says Pongracic. “The only problem can be the frequency of our practicing, but we’ve been able to make it work.”

Since Pongracic started The Madeira in 2004, the band has released three albums (two full lengths and one EP), all recorded at the Pop Machine in Broad Ripple. Their most recent album, “Carpe Noctem,” was named Album of the Year by the British rock instrumental magazine Pipeline in 2008. According to Alan Taylor’s review from Pipeline, it’s “an album that will delight for many years to come with its scintillating lead work and oh-so-effective real rhythm guitar throughout.”

Other audio-visual projects are in the works: The Madeira are featured in an upcoming surf rock documentary, “Sound of the Surf,” and are working on a new album. Pongracic says they performed a handful of songs for the documentary, which has been in the works for about two years. And as for the new album, O’Connor says, “I don’t want to say too much, but it’s a jungle vibe.”

This Friday’s show will be a family affair for Pongracic, whose dad plays rhythm guitar for The Troubadours, the Shadows tribute band. “I got into this music because of my dad,” Pongracic says. “The Shadows were huge in Europe, and everywhere else really but the U.S.”

The Shadows’ music is one of Pongracic’s earliest influences and music loves. He describes it as “haunting, aggressive, high energy rock and roll.”

“Being able to share this with my dad has been a blast,” he says. Although there are Shadows tribute bands everywhere, he says, The Troubadours actually got to play in front of a couple of the original Shadows’ members in the early 2000’s. “It was a great thrill.”

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Destination: Earth! debriefing session

From Soundcheck: I first interviewed Destination: Earth!, a surf-rock band built around a campy sci-fi storyline, when I was hosting a three-hour radio variety show during my senior year of high school on 89.3 WJEL, the voice of the J. Everett Light Career Center. While I was a spotty interviewer – for a while, my closing question was, “What’s your favorite sandwich?” – the Destination: Earth! interview was memorable: Band members (Commander 007, Raider-X and R5DW40) chatted in character, and even brought along a theremin, which can be both an unwieldy musical instrument and, when called upon, a malfunctioning computer on a spaceship. Guitarist Patrick O’Connor (Commander 007) reminded me about the interview this week when we talked about his upcoming show at the Melody Inn, a 10th anniversary for Destination: Earth!, which has taken a long hiatus while exploring the galaxy, or while O’Connor lived in Southern California, playing in another surf rock band, The Madiera (also on the bill). The space-age trappings of surf rock lend themselves well to sci-fi bands, of course; Man or Astro-man?, who have also pretty much finished up their mission on this world, may have been the first in the vein (or maybe it was Devo?). With another local well-versed in all things ’50s rock, Frankie Camaro and his Atomic Bombay.

And what I didn’t mention in print: The tenth anniversary show will also see the release of a Destination: Earth! greatest hits collection, Faders on Stun: The Best of Destination: Earth!. I spoke with Commander 007 via intergalactic mail. I’ll note that this vaguely malevolent alien really knows his surf rock.

NUVO: Why have you returned to Indianapolis after so many years away?

Commander 007: I was transferred to the California sector in early 2007 by Vector Sigma high command. But even prior to that, the mission code-named Destination: Earth! had been exploring other avenues of musical creativity: I with indie-pop band The Shake Ups and surf instrumentalists The Madiera, R5DW40 with doom metal overlords Devil To Pay and Raider-X with the punkish J.J. Pearson Project. The order came down from General Casualty, who felt we needed to expand our invasion efforts to bring about planetary domination more quickly. His solution was to not “put all of our eggs in one basket,” to paraphrase one of your primitive human sayings.

NUVO: What are your objectives for the show?

Commander 007: The April 10 debriefing session will allow us to conduct additional research on a selected cross section of your population even as we entertain them. We will then transmit the data back home to determine how best to adjust our offensive to colonize the planet in a timely manner…And once that’s done, I’d like to get hammered.

NUVO: What’s on the CD?

Commander 007: The new CD is entitled Faders On Stun: The Best of Destination: Earth! As the title suggests, it is a 26-track encapsulation of our recorded output. It includes many of the highlights from our official albums, as well as a few mixes that have never been heard by human ears. There is also an encoded subsonic frequency vibration that will create a brainwashing effect during repeated listening experiences, turning your population into mindless slaves to Destination: Earth!

NUVO: How does your stuff with the Madiera compare to Destination Earth?

Commander 007: Basically, The Madiera takes the classic Dick Dale surf sound of the early 60’s and combines it with the melody of European band The Shadows and the intensity of Austrailian band The Atlantics. The original wave of surf music was brought to a very abrupt halt by the British Invasion in 1964. With The Madiera’s latest album, Carpe Noctem, we are continuing the evolution of traditional 1960’s surf music using those original sounds and stylistic elements. I guess you could say The Madiera is somewhat more classicist, whereas Destination: Earth! has a modern edge to its music that incorporates a wider range of influences.

NUVO: And why has surf stuck around, when say, skiffle bit the big one?

Commander 007: The sound of surf – the crashing reverb, double-picked guitars, and whirling drum beats – are universal pleasures. They are addictive to the ear, even for those who may not necessarily be regular listeners of instrumental music. There is no language barrier to overcome with surf, and when done well, the music can be both evocative and very exciting.

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Surf boards, Austrian economics and "Pulp Fiction"

Professor’s band takes top honors, prepares to travel the country

Assistant Professor of Economics Ivan Pongracic’s surf band, The Madeira, took top honors in the surf music world this year when its second album, “Carpe Noctem” was named Pipeline Magazine’s top album of the year.

Surf music, an instrumental rock genre that peaked in popularity in the 1960s, has recently made a comeback. So much so, the four-member band – comprised of Pongracic on lead guitar, Dane Carter on drums, Patrick O’Connor on rhythm guitar and Todd Fortier on bass – hopes to tour Europe this summer for 10 days.

Economics and surf music

For at least two band members of Madeira, Austrian economics and surf music go hand in hand.

Pongracic was first introduced to the music while growing up in Croatia. But it wasn’t until 1994, when Pongracic went to a New York economics conference that a prominent Austrian economist brought the genre up again.

“So Austrian economics brought me to surf music,” Pongracic said, laughing.

Pongracic then introduced the genre to one of his own economics students, Dane Carter, while teaching at Indiana-Wesleyan University.

“It all started innocently enough when he brought me a stack of CDs and said 'Check these out!’” Carter said.

American sound

Developed by the son of immigrant Lebanese and Polish parents, surf music was born in the 1960s in California when Dick Dale, “King of Surf Guitar,” renovated the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa, Cali., and packed 1,000 to 1,050 kids in to hear him play his new style of music, Pongracic said.

Surf music is instrumental rock that features a “reverb effect on the guitars,” said Alan Taylor, editor of the British instrumental rock magazine, Pipeline, in an e-mail to the Collegian. A precursor to the rock music of the Beach Boys and the Beatles, classic surf music centered around surfing, regardless of whether musicians actually touched a board or not.

“It was probably the only time you had a [music] genre connected to a sport,” Pongracic said.

The genre’s surfing elements are still recognizable today in the driving pulse and energy of the drum lines of surf standards.

“It’s called surf music – there is that feeling – you can imagine yourself on the edge of your board, looking down thinking 'I’m gonna die,’” Carter said.

Skeptics puzzled by the genre would be surprised to realize how prevalent surf music is today, he added.

“When it’s pointed out, people recognize it,” he said. “It’s not that it’s foreign.”

Pongracic points to the theme song of “Pulp Fiction,” Dick Dale’s “Miserlou,” as a classic example of surf music – the Black Eyed Peas used it as the bass melody of their 2006 hit song, “Pump It.”

A prominent feature surf music is Middle Eastern melodies and strumming technique, due to Dick Dale’s Lebanese heritage, Pongracic said.

“[Dick Dale] took a lot of traditional Middle Eastern tunes and made them into surf songs,” Carter said.

The Madeira – the style

The Madeira took these classic surf music characteristics and put a modern spin on them, Carter said, starting with cultural ties.

“We tried to move a little further west into the Spanish and Portuguese styles,” he said.

The group also wove in contemporary-style melodies, said Lorenzo Valdambrini, their European tour promoter living in the Caribbean in an e-mail to the Collegian.

“Madeira put together the original classic surf sound (Dick Dale’s style) with sophisticated melodies and great energy,” Valdambrini said.

Their fusion of old-school techniques and modern sounds was partly what gave The Madeira their album win.

“They incorporate the drama of traditional folk dances from Eastern European and exotic Middle Eastern flavors into some of the most powerful rock instrumental music,” Taylor said of the band. “The Madeira’s arrangements make great use of their second guitarist playing rhythm guitar in a style that has been under used since the 1960s.”

To Europe and beyond

This summer, the band plans to play in a three-day surf music festival outside Pisa, Italy and then tour through some of France, Italy and maybe even Pongracic’s home country of Croatia, Valdambrini said.

Pongracic is looking forward to hearing other surf bands play alongside The Madeira in Pisa but isn’t setting his hopes too high for the tour afterwards. Even though surf music standards are very familiar, the genre itself is still quite unrecognized in its own right.

“It’s a niche genre – if we get 100 [people] we’re quite happy,” he said. “It’s always great.”

For now, the band is trying coordinate a few practice sessions to prepare for their tour. Arranging traveling arrangements with band members in Indiana, California and Michigan is just one challenge, Carter said.

“That, and the blisters and cramps and everything else that comes with playing this style of music on the drums,” he said.

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Pipeline Magazine Review of Carpe Noctem

The Madeira: Carpe Noctem

The latest from American guitar group The Madeira manages to be exciting and dynamic whilst still being as varied and polished as we have come to expect from one of the best groups around. The 13 tracks range from clean echo ballads through six-string bass twangers to soaring exotic pounders and the group’s brilliant, expressive playing is matched by inventive arrangements that wring all possible emotion out of every melody. Additionally notable is the fact that all bar two of these melodies are originals. It takes a couple of plays to familiarise yourself with the material and then the investment really pays off, giving you an album that will delight for many years to come with its scintillating lead work and oh-so-effective real rhythm guitar throughout. Patrick O’Connor’s mastery of this underestimated art is the perfect foil for Ivan Pongracic’s accomplished lead and he also shares the writing credits.

The album opens quietly with the title track Carpe Noctem, which features duetting guitars before building to a mean and moody climax and then breaking down again. Wreak Havoc! is a fast flying east European flavoured piece with lightning licks and furious drumming that gives way to Undercurrents, a beautiful uptempo echo guitar theme that recalls the finest from the ’60s with its emotive treble lead. Rolling Thunder is another fast and furious piece with an eastern influence, featuring echo lead and reverb embellishments. Shimmering chords support the edgy slowie Infidel and the first cover is the Euro bass twanger El Flaco with its proud melody over a classic galloping rhythm, embellished with tasty guitar touches.

The Indian-flavoured foot-tapping acoustic raga Hamsa provides a break midway through the album and then it’s back to the fast flying style on The Saracen with its exciting, catchy whip-cracking guitar breaks. The second cover is, unsurprisingly for an Ivan Pongracic project, an Atlantics track. This time it’s SOS (Stomp on Stomp) with its furious pace, deep driving lead and flying treble fills – great stuff. Tangaroa is a pretty electric twang ballad with acoustic backing and Surf Fidelis the closest to a traditional surf rocker with some delightful damped picking. A quick-fire rhythm riff drives the exotic Sahar and the finale End of the Circle is a dreamy piece featuring tasty echo guitar phrases over a simple, sympathetic backing.

Without forgetting the fabulous playing and fine melodies, it is the time spent polishing the arrangements and the care with which the album is sequenced that ensure Carpe Noctem will be a favourite for years to come.

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The Vault (Spanish Radio Show) Comments on Carpe Noctem

The following is a translated transcript of The Vault, Program 9, a Spanish language radio show. They recently picked Carpe Noctem as album of the week. Great thanks to Nikolai Wenzel for the translation.

Nocturnal greetings. This is Diego RJ. You have just entered the Vault on Radio Three. Our album of the week is a new instrumental recording. Its creators are a band from Indianapolis known as “The Madeira.” The title of its most recent work is a phrase we often use to close this program: enjoy the night, Carpe Noctem.

[music]

Once again, this is the song “Carpe Noctem”, from the “Madeirans”, off their latest album, Carpe Noctem, “enjoy the night”. We are enjoying the third album from this group out of Indianapolis, Indiana, led by the sublime lead guitar of Ivan Pongracic. This album seems to us to be one of THE instrumental works of the year, par excellence. Ivan, a former member of the Space Cossacks, has Croatian roots, which is why it is not surprising that throughout the 13 songs on the album, we find melodies with a Mediterranean flavor, evocations of the sounds of Eastern Europe, and a touch of flamenco and gypsy music. His companions in the Madeira are Todd Fortier on bass, Patrick O’Connor on rhythm guitar, and Dane Carter on drums. But it is Ivan Pongracic who carries on his shoulders the main weight when it comes to composing.

Careful arrangements, crystalline melodies, elaborate structures, nobody matches them. And of course it is not all mystery and drama like this song we just heard, entitled, like the record, Carpe Noctem. There is also room for authentic explosions of energy, like this sonic tsunami, ridden like a demonic horse, of which Dick Dale would be very proud. The name of the song is “Wreak Havoc.”

[music]

Tremendous, that guitar from Ivan Pongracic. The Madeira; “Carpe Noctem” is the title of our album of the week. The album from these Americans was released by Double Crown Records label, with headquarters in Bellingham, Washington and a bastion of defense of instrumental sounds for quite a while now. Make sure to check out their website, www.dblcrown.com, for great offerings from their fantastic catalog, indispensable for lovers of the genre. Well, now we are going to say goodbye to this stupendous album of the week, “Carpe Noctem” by the Madeira, and we do so with one of two covers on the album, a modernized version of a song by the Australian band, The Atlantics, “SOS (Stomp on Stomp)”.

[music]

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Carpe Noctem Review from New Gandy Dancer

The Madeira – Carpe Noctem (Double Crown) DCCD30
4 stars out of 4

It’s the second full-length release by The Madeira, who again exert a very different, mystic, middle eastern feel to their clean cut rock instrumentals. Most of their tracks here have a very different 'mystic’ guitar sound on strong originals and two lively covers including “SOS (Stomp On Stomp)” by The Atlantics. The title track is a wistful kaleidoscope with a 1962 Jet Harris sounding lead. (There’s also the Jet Harris 6-string bass sound on “El Flaco”). “Wreak Havoc!” carries the Dick Dale thunder trill while “Rolling Thunder” has great galloping drums, typical of the great drumming throughout. There’s acoustic, there’s percussion, deft playing and skill all through this set. A unique album by a unique band. Loved it.

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WHAT'S UP! MAGAZINE (Bellingham, WA)

The Madeira: Carpe Noctem

If you are looking for a fun mix of old-school car-chase music and wave-riding tunes, look no further, your musical muse has arrived. The tracks, “Hamsa” and “Undercurrents” are my personal favorites because they have a mellower feel to them that slightly ventures into uncharted waters—forgive the pun. The Madeira are talented musicians who are good at what they do [and] have a fun, enjoyable sound.

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Instro-Rama A-Go-Go Review of Carpe Noctem

Let’s put aside some of the reasons that would make the Madeira go unnoticed or even ignored: they don’t have a cool image; they record with a label (Double Crown) well-respected by the instro-fans and scene writers but not very far-reaching; and their album covers have a somewhat outdated design, half-way between Eastern and symphonic rock. They don’t stand out, that’s true… BUT, they have Ivan Pongracic’s Stratocaster and everything else is forgotten, especially when the band records an album like Carpe Noctem. It has a powerful sound loaded with intricate arrangements that turn it into another gem this year.

The Croatian background of the lead guitarist (ex-The Space Cossacks) brings out his passion for anything Mediterranean, hence the clean melodies, exotic touches and an amalgam of reminiscences and influences that improve what they did on Sandstorm, their debut album from a couple of years ago.

We can already declare that Undercurrents is a classic. What nasty string-picking! Awesome! But this is not the only great track. The band cracks out Rolling Thunder and Carpe Noctem and gives you a good rush. It reminded me for a moment of Laika & the Cosmonauts. The covers of S.O.S. (Stomp on Stomp), by the Atlantics, and El Flaco, by Reidar & the Quintones, are true to their original versions, but they sound current and powerful. Dane, Todd and Patrick, the rest of the band members, have assimilated the leader’s beat to become an excellent rhythmic machine. Even the flamenco tonalities, the Magreb air and gypsy touches are perfect in the mid-tempo and mysterious sound of tracks like Tangaroa, Hamsa, Sahar... This is what American aficionados think of as the European instrumental sound and we’re just thrilled to listen to it. This is quality stuff.

If bands like the Bambi Molesters, the Beat Tornados, the Spotnicks, the Charades, the Shadows, Langhorns, the Quiets, and, above all, the Treble Spankers, are in your collection, don’t miss the Madeira’s third album (counting their EP last year). You’ll enjoy it!

More information on the band at: themadeira.net

Pongracic is also a regular contributor to The Continental magazine. We recommend the most recent issue (#15), where you can read his review of the Dick Dale reissue albums by Sundazed. A great dossier and 100% accurate.

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HangNine Review of Carpe Noctem

Who are they? Latest band to feature the considerable guitar playing skills of former Space Cossacks frontman, Ivan Pongracic. If you know the sound of the Space Cossacks, or have been lucky enough to hear either of the earlier Madeira releases (which somehow we have not been!), then you’ll know to expect music of the highest quality from this album. You’re unlikely to be disappointed.

What’s good? Grandeur (Carpe Noctem itself), maniacal double-picked mayhem (Wreak Havoc, Rolling Thunder, The Saracen), several nice tunes perched somewhere between two more of Ivan’s major influences, the Shadows and the Atlantics (Undercurrents, El Flaco, SOS) and a couple of more acoustic and reflective numbers (Infidel and End of the Circle).

Six-string bass guitar – we like six-string bass guitar!

What’s bad? Not a whole lot really.

HangNine Rating: AFB – Better even than absolutely brilliant. All of this is very good. If you like this genre of music, you really should buy/see this.

Visit the Madeira website for more details. Then buy this album. Then stick it on your iPod. Modern surf of the highest order!

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Carpe Noctem Review by Phil Dirt of Reverb Central

The Madeira – Carpe Noctem – Five Stars

This band just keeps getting better and better. Ivan’s crew are superb
players, and the writing and arranging are top notch. This disc is
chock full of mysterious melodies, fast rhythmic energy, lush sound,
and compelling tracks.

Picks: Carpe Noctem, Wreak Havoc!, Undercurrents, Rolling Thunder,
Infidel, El Flaco, Hamsa, The Saracen, SOS (Stomp On Stomp), Tangaroa,
Surf Fidelis, Sahar, End Of The Circle

Track by Track Review

Carpe Noctem * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

A mysterious melody dramatically plays out on a dry guitar while a
glorious muted reverb guitar plays a superb counter melody. It’s just
the two guitars, and the combination is really compelling. “Carpe
Noctem” eventually brings in the bass and drums and more guitars for a
lush layered sound. The Madeira have created a very dramatic and moody
piece here that is hard to ignore. Superb!

Wreak Havoc! * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Dribbling glissandos, fast picking, Eastern European melody
sensibility, and tight thundering energy overwhelm. “Wreak Havoc!” is
intense, and sparkles with the kind of energy that The Space Cossacks
used to achieve. Very cool!

Undercurrents * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

“Undercurrents” sports a sweeping Russian-like melody that’s slightly
sad and yet perseverant. The warmth of the adventure carries this song
off.

Rolling Thunder * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Dark rhythmic muted surf patterns and rumbling drums, along with
galloping rhythms combine for a fast and very enthusiastic ride.
“Rolling Thunder” rolls and thunders, and suggests extreme energy with
lush smoothness. The drums are amazing!

Infidel * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

This pretty slow moving track features a lush lead and throbbing
tremolo rhythm. The sound is picturesque and very artful. Lovely
chords suggest islands and lagoons.

El Flaco * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Galloping rhythm and a very low lead melody create a Joe Meek-ish
impression, while the melody is more sub-Mediterranean mysterious. “El
Flaco” features relentless rolling drums and rhythm guitar, along with
warm, long compression sustained guitar notes.

Hamsa * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

A very sensual blending of exotic percussion, lurid acoustic guitar
lines dominate this delicate, yet lusty song. Exceptional emotional
content and gypsy fire imagery. “Hamsa” is one fine track!

The Saracen * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Gigantic power and energy, ska rhythm guitar, flying lead lines,
rock-solid bass, and superb drums. “The Saracen” is fluid, dramatic,
exotic, and played amazingly well. Wow!

SOS (Stomp On Stomp) * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

My initial impression of this song was that it was likely inspired by
The Atlantics, but it’s also very much about European stylings. The
grode e-string chokes took “SOS (Stomp On Stomp)” over the top! Great
track.

Tangaroa * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

“Tangaroa” is a lushly recorded easy number with tremolo lead and a
very pretty backtrack. The melody is romantic and adventurous.

Surf Fidelis * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Oh those grand muted reverb guitar lines! Within a couple of notes, I
was hooked. “Surf Fidelis” never let me down. This is a big, dramatic,
optimistic, and delicately powerful track. Some of the lead lines are
like drops of water, while others splash warmly.

Sahar * * * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

Groovy chop chords and low down lead lines, a melody with lots of
flair and drama, and really infectious drums, bass, and rhythm.
“Sahar” is hot blooded and raucous, with warm tone and intense energy!

End Of The Circle * * *
Surf (Instrumental)

“End Of The Circle” moves slowly and delicately, with lush lead and
gentle acoustic guitars balanced above soft bass and precision drums.
The relaxed pace does not mean it’s low energy. hauntingly rich and
visual.

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Surf Rock Night Show Preview from NUVO.net

Surf music! This all-inclusive instrumental form got a bit of a boost in the early 1990s, when Dick Dale’s surf rendition of the traditional tune “Misirlou” was featured as the opening theme to Pulp Fiction. Surf is still going strong today, though without quite as much media attention. This weekend the Melody Inn will see a celebration of surf by Indianapolis and Chicago bands.

The Madeira, headed up by Ivan Pongracic, have several members with Indianapolis roots. This month they’re featured as one of the favorite Myspace artists in Guitar Player magazine.

“This is pure music; there’s no crap about it,” Pongracic says. “It’s fun, it can be dark, it can be extremely emotional, and you don’t have to deal with clichés in the lyrics.”

Eleven-year veterans the Cocktail Preachers have played with the Madeira several times, both in Indy and the Cocktail Preachers’ home base of Chicago.

“We try to mix it up with some jazzy and lounge sounds, some of the Middle Eastern surf, and a few of the old standards,” says guitarist Steve Panchisin. “We take songs that aren’t surf songs, like ‘Rudy Can’t Fail’ and some stuff from the White Stripes and Green Day, and turn them into surf.”

“That song from Pulp Fiction incorporates an old Egyptian song, thousands of years old,” Pongracic adds. “Dick Dale heard his Lebanese grandfather playing it, and that’s what got him interested. It’s really become a melting pot for all sorts of outside influences.”

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Guitar Player Magazine

The Madeira, Indianapolis, IN, "Cordoba"

"It's still icy cold in Northern California - well, at least what us wimpy Californians consider cold - but this surf-o-rific track warmed me right up. The Madeira boys surf the clean and pingy side of the wave - rather than going for fat and ballsy - and every note is a jubilant celebration of sun-drenched bliss."

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Pipeline Review of Ruins

The good news is that there's a follow-up to The Madeira's excellent album Sandstorm (see Pipeline 71), the bad news is that it's only an EP-length CD. However, it is all of the highest quality and a must for followers of guitarist Ivan Pongracic's great work with both The Space Cossacks and Madeira.

The first two numbers are bona fide surfers, a storm through Dick Dale's '60s vintage The Victor and the similarly fiery third-waver Dilmohammed from Frank Gerritsen's unsung heroes The Treble Spankers. Fine examples both. Things then take a turn for the Spanish with flamenco giant Paco de Lucia's Almoraima from 1976 on which The Madeira take a leaf out of Los Jets' book and turn in a stunninginly intense rock instrumental arrangement. Fabulous stuff. Then there are two very different takes on Surf Coaster Shigeo Naka's Intruder. There's a short (1min 30sec) Spanish-styled acoustic treatment which serves as an intro to a full-on four minute surfed-up version.

There's only one word for this little gem: superb.

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What's Up! Magazine Review of Ruins

Surf rock comes barreling down the pipe and crashes somewhere between Dick Dale & His Deltones and The Surfaris in The Madeira’s new five-track EP “Ruins”. The EP is on the heels of their December 2005 release “Sandstorm”. The Madeira’s rapid-fire surf rock plunges the listener between TV channels playing Pulp Fiction and Hawaii Five-O but leaves you with the urge to clench a rose between your teeth and thrash out a forbidden dance under Andalusian moonlight. But this Indiana quartet also showcases some of the great international surf rock composers such as Dick Dale, who wrote “Miserlou” which was originally released in 1962 but came back around for the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, guitarist Shigeo Naka from The Surf Coasters in Japan, and guitar sensation “Phantom” Frank Gerritsen from The Treble Spankers in Holland. To me, this whole EP was a great listen and transports you to Spain or Malibu or wherever your mind takes you. The breakout track, however, would have to be “The Victor” written by Dick Dale.

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New Gandy Dancer Review of Sandstorm

Led by guitarist Ivan Pongracic (Space Cossacks), this is a new offshoot on 12 original twangers plus a cover of The Atlantics' "Express To Baghdad". Strong burning guitars all the way - inevitably similar to the Space Cossacks from where they emanate - and good worthwhile originals like "El Caliph", "Ricochet" and a fine "Desert Drums" contribute to making this a grand debut album where Ivan and the boys have a good grasp of what they're doing. We hope this isn't all we hear from a promising lineup whith a surfload of playing ability.

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Ruins Review by Phil Dirt from Reverb Central

The Madeira - Ruins

Well now! The Madeira are a superb band. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing them live recently, and was more than a little impressed. You may think of the Madeira as a post-Space Cossacks band, but there's a lot more here than that. Sure, you can hear the Space Cossacks roots in the Madeira, but there are added dimensions of texturing and cultural influences that make this band something very different. Superb playing and style. This cover set features some thoroughly engaging songs!

Picks: The Victor, Dilmohammed, Almoraima, Intruder #1, Intruder

The Victor * * * * *
Surf Instrumental (Stereo)
Dick Dale's superb song, held by some as one of the best, most important surf instrumentals, is very well done here. The rhythm guitar's gutty edge adds quite a bit of bite, while the intense energy and rock-solid arrangement honor the original. Superb energy and bite, with wonderful Middle Eastern imagery and mystery.

Dilmohammed * * * * *
Surf Instrumental (Stereo)
The Treble Spankers' marvelous "Dilmohammed" is driven with great energy and power. The frequent reverb crashes add immensely to the power of the song. Its mystery and danger come through with intensity and clarity. Over the top cool!

Almoraima * * * * *
Surf Instrumental (Stereo)
Paco DeLucia's "Almoraima" is delightfully done with shining tone and imagery. The superb guitaristry gives it liquid flow and emotional charm. Powerful and passionate. Stunning!

Intruder #1 * * * * *
Surf Instrumental (Stereo)
"Intruder #1" is the acoustic intro the Surf Coasters originally cut. It's very Spanish flavored and superbly done. Fluid and emotional in the black lace and red rose sense. It segues directly into "Intruder" with all it's flaming glory!

Intruder * * * * *
Surf Instrumental (Stereo)
Hard driving rhythmically powerful, and with a tuff edge, "Intruder" sparkles with a dynamic assault. Wonderful power and exhilarating spirit. If Dick Dale did this, he'd want it to come out like this. Great drums and superb playing.

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Pipeline Review of Sandstorm

It was a sad day for RI fans when The Space Cossacks went their separate ways. Since then lead guitarist Ivan Pongracic has been back to his Shadows roots with The Troubadours, but now he is pushing the boundaries again with a new outfit The Madeira. As he describes it: “What we are doing is continuing the evolution of surf music that was so regrettably ended in ’65 with all the British Invasion stuff… If you think of what The Atlantics were doing with their entire second album for example, their really-out-there songs like Stampede or S.O.S. (Stomp On Stomp) or their later stuff like War Of The Worlds or Giant, or say The Fender IV with Margaya or Everybody Up!, it was just amazing stuff that very few modern surf bands have explored in any sort of depth. So this is where I see The Madeira continuing as though the ’66-'06 period had never happened and Surf Music was the only, and best, music around!”

The Atlantics’ influence extends to one of their titles being the only cover on the album. And a very fine version of Express To Baghdad it is too, full of dash and excitement yet still built around its evocative theme. Rogue Wave also displays The Atlantics’ hallmark driving rhythm, stinging lead, unison crescendo-building and dramatic melody with a dynamic and inventive arrangement. It’s the best thing The Atlantics never recorded. El Caliph betrays The Fender IV’s influence as it develops around that great Margaya beat, anyone wishing that Randy Holden had laid down a few more instrumentals should check this out.

And it’s pretty fiery stuff like this throughout most of the album. The mid-tempo Secret Route halfway through and the ballads Crescent Moon (beautiful) and The Oasis (dramatic) at the end provide the necessary contrast. The strong melodies, great arrangements, superb playing and exciting echo guitar sounds all contribute to the irresistible nature of this album. It’s one that demands playing straight through, over and over again. Wonderful.

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Billybop Review of Sandstorm

Style : Surf
Rate (1-5) : 5 stars
For a very long moment I lived with the idea, that Lo-fi recording was a must to produce a surf or Instro album, but with The Sandstorm on my player it’s proven that I’m dead wrong.
And there is even more to say about these guys. Not only do they produce a high quality sound, but they also look very stylish and professional on the album. However it’s the sound that counts for me, so let’s stick to that!

This combo (2 guitars, a bass & a drum) delivers 13 dream-catching tunes. Twelve self penned songs plus 'Express To Baghdad’ the only cover on this CD. Making extensive use of tremolo & reverb, throwing in some glissando’s and a drum break now & then and you can start to imagine what The Madeira sounds like. Throw in some pictorial scenery of sandy shores, exotic markets or desert dunes and you have it picture perfect.

The band is debuting here, but it would be a lie to say they are total newcomers to the scene. Leader of the gang is Ivan Pongracic, who helmed the Space Cosacks before and surf aficionados know what this means.
The Madeira is pure Mediterranean surf music as the band explains themselves. From the Marrakech mysteries, over the rocky surface of Gibraltar to the joyous late-night gypsy dances in the small towns of Andalucia. The Madeira is all that and much more.

Sandy dessert dunes or windy beaches it doesn’t make a big difference 'cause the Madeira is taking you to far away places. The song titles are as catchy as the music itself. 'Cordoba’, 'Sandstorm’ or 'Desert Drums’ are only a few on their list. 'Desert Drum’ by the way is a very impressive tune if you ask me, that sounds like a crossbread between a Sandy Nelson song & a Ventures tune.

The hot pick of this album is without doubt 'Ricohet’, a song that is best compared to a good drink. Ripe & full of Body, but with an extarordanary after taste. This tune is certainly a highlight on the album. Another great tune is ofcourse second in line (and the first real tune on this album) 'Sandstorm’. Again the old trick of reverb & tremelo makes it work and this 'would be classic’ is the opening tune to a blast of 13 crazy tunes. Also worth mentioning is 'El Caliph’and 'Cordoba’, but instead of listing all the song titles here I should send you of to the Double Crown Records site where you can order this 5 star album.

Original article

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Professor's band releases new surf-rock album

He teaches Austrian economics by day and plays surf guitar by night. He is Ivan Pongracic, associate professor of economics, and lead guitarist for The Madeira.

The Madeira, a surf rock quartet, released their first album this month. Sandstorm is a 13 track tour of the surf genre, and a good one at that. Surf rock can be difficult to listen to in large quantities, especially for listeners accustomed to pop hooks and…vocals…but Pongracic’s latest offering is a good surf album.

Coincidentally, Pongracic’s former surf band, the Space Cossacks, also released a CD this month, Never Mind the Bolsheviks, a best-of compilation. Although the compilation showcases a popular band within the surf genre, the Madeira disc will be more satisfying to listeners unfamiliar with surf.

As if a sign of calmer maturity, Sandstorm begins with a slow, echoing, 54 second guitar strum warm-up by Pongracic. The opening moments of track two, “Sandstorm!” are also confident, but launch the Madeira into a full sounding, up-tempo surf number. The track also introduces an exotic desert theme.

Although the Madeira does not have the thump and bump of The Stingrays or The Ventures, or the raw intensity and distortion of Dick Dale, the band displays surf rock roots. The Madeira is more polished than the original surf rockers, which lends to prettier sound quality but a lesser degree of helter skelter, bare bones energy. The strongest part of Sandstorm is the diversity of songwriting.

As lead songwriter, Pongracic samples from many areas of surf.

Track four, “El Caliph” contains a grittier rhythm guitar undercurrent with aggressive breakdowns reminiscent of grunge—maybe even Nirvana. The tom toms bump a bit and the mid-song strip down to bass and drums, followed by discordant guitar screeches, makes “El Caliph” a top song on the album.

“Burning Mirage,” shows a guitar-only introduction then kicks with a sinister melody fit for a TV villain’s theme music. A bit epic, even the final echoing note recalls the theme music of old time-y detective shows.

Track six, “Rogue Wave,” is my pick as top song on the disc, most likely because it recalls other bands I enjoy. Pongracic’s solos on the track are a bit more distorted, a la the Pixies, and the primary rhythm drives the song in a manner reminiscent of the Chills. The track ends with old-fashioned surf distortion, as though a guitar has been destroyed. Fitting indeed.

Pongracic also gives nod to The Doors’ “Love Her Madly,” with his opening strums on “The Secret Route.” The track, along with “Crescent Moon,” lays acoustic strumming over echoing solos.

Although a few tracks were average, including “Desert Drums,” which had one solid, and one so-so drum solo, the disc pleases. “The Oasis,” ends the album with a surprisingly blues-based creep along which evokes a bit of the lonesome in all of us.

Recommending a surf album to non-surf fans is difficult, but I give Sandstorm the nod. The disc is sufficiently diverse and interesting, and although I would prefer a rougher form of distortion, The Madeira occasionally harkens to the surf of years gone by with moments of aggression.

The college bookstore will be selling both of Pongracic’s discs. The Space Cossacks’ catalog is available from Amazon.com.

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Sandstorm Review by Phil Dirt of Reverb Central

The Madeira – Sandstorm * * * * *
Label: Double Crown DCCD CD

If there’s just one word for this CD, it’s Adventure. This is a superbly produced CD, not just in sound, but in arranging and writing and playing. The music is very engaging and very good! Highly recommended!

Picks: 'Sandstorm!’, 'Cordoba’, 'El Caliph’, 'Burning Mirage’, 'Rogue Wave’, 'The Secret Route’, 'Desert Drums’, 'Ricochet’, 'Crescent Moon’, 'Across The Dunes’, 'Express To Baghdad’, 'The Oasis’

Sun & Sand * * *
“Sun & Sand” is a lush minute-long guitar vision of things to come. Very pretty.

Sandstorm! * * * * *
Prepare to rock! “Sandstorm!” is a stunning piece of music with a heavy rhythm and great energy. The impeccable playing and production deliver this hard driving song with all the panache required. Great!

Cordoba * * * * *
Infectious rhythms and thundering bass support a wonderful melody. Fire and danger, and abundant adventure. There’s mystery and risk, and high adventure over every dune. Thoroughly cool!

El Caliph * * * * *
Great tribal drums, the rhythm of “Mar Gaya,” and a dark Middle Eastern melody line that portrays danger. This chunky and very cool track commands your attention from every angle. Wonderful!

Burning Mirage * * * * *
Immense spunk and traveling adventure are evident in every dramatic bar of “Burning Mirage.” The muted surf rhythm is superb!

Rogue Wave * * * *
With the stinging fire of the Atlantics, “Rogue Wave” rocks and churns, relentlessly carrying you off to the that hazardous perfect ride. Intense, powerful, and fiery!

The Secret Route * * * *
Haunting and somewhat ominous, “The Secret Route” tells a tale of a journey fraught with risk and adventure. Bing and visual, with drama and intense emotional content.

Desert Drums * * * * *
The drums rock, the guitars rule, and the bass thunders. Highly infectious, “Desert Drums” virtually drags you out to your roadster for a drive down highway 1. What a fine track. It’s thoroughly enjoyable and full of fire.

Ricochet * * * * *
The circular riffs of “Ricochet” call on Gypsy moodiness and the Atlantics’ spunk. Big drama, open space, and a panoramic visual sense. This is a huge and commanding piece of music.

Crescent Moon * * * *
Softly painting a landscape of desert mystery and intrigue, the rhythm and lead guitar compliment each other very well. Big drama in the cymbals, and a soft moodiness in the bass. Very richly arranged.

Across The Dunes * * * * *
Once past the intro, “Across The Dunes” becomes a raucous and galloping number with a very engaging sound. On first listen, it draws you into its clutches. A great arrangement, great writing, and solid playing here!

Express To Baghdad * * * * *
This is an Atlantics’ song carried to its logical conclusion. Wonderful drums, big panoramic sound, sweeping energy, and a haunting sense. “Express To Baghdad” is very well adapted to the Madeira’s sound, yet remains very complimentary to the original.

The Oasis * * * *
Softly delicate, “The Oasis” slowly moves across a sunset dune, giving a warming but distant view of a small group of palms. It’s a very pretty song.

Original article as PDF

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INtake Weekly Article, Jan 26 2006

Catch This Big Wave
The Madeira pays homage to surf rock's Middle Eastern roots.

The Madeira ain't your baby's surf music.

Taking some twang from the first definition of the genre, The Madeira plays instrumental, rumbling rock, centered on the Fender guitar and surf beats.

Together for a couple years now, the band recently released a full-length album called "Sandstorm" with Double Crown Records.

The band was to play a release show this weekend, but had to postpone it due to a broken arm on the part of drummer Dane Carter. The band hopes to reschedule the show.

Until then, guitarist Ivan Pongracic talks about why the sun shines on his surf.

Tell me about your new record.

We recorded at Pop Machine studio in July and just kind of (have) been fixing up the loose ends for the next few months.

I had this idea to push the kind of Middle Eastern/North African influence in surf music further than it had been done before. So that was the idea behind the CD, just to see how far we could go with it and still make it listenable.

Surf music has had a long history of these exotic influences. If you think of "Miserlou" (by Dick Dale) -- which is probably the best known surf song; it's in "Pulp Fiction" -- that's an old Greek song.

So there were a lot of these Mediterranean/North African influences from the beginning, but no band has ever taken it to an extreme.

What do you love most about this genre of music?

It's very powerful. When done well it can be incredibly energetic and it's also -- since it's instrumental -- it can be very mysterious, very evocative. I love the overall sound.

There's a particular sound to real surf music -- very reverb heavy -- that's quite unique. It just resonates with me in a special way. Who knows why, but it does in the sense bring certain images to my mind. Images just of the ocean, which clearly is a usual thing you connect with it, but more than that just the particular era, the early '60s era which I just think was great. I love it.

By the way, a lot of people think of surf music as the Beach Boys. It's important to point out that real surf music is almost exclusively instrumental.

When Dick Dale started his stuff in '61 or so, it started off being instrumental with this very powerful guitar sound. And the Beach Boys kind of bastardized it by having these Doo-Wop harmonies over surf beats and guitars.

Do you remember what was the first surf record you ever heard?

I got into it a little bit indirectly, because this band The Shadows that we covered in The Troubadours (a Shadows cover band Pongracic was in with his father, who introduced him to that band).

They were instrumental and they started having hits in early 1960. My father played in bands that played Shadows music in the '60s along the Adriatic coast. We're from Croatia. I grew up with that stuff, twangy instrumentals played on Fender guitars.

When we came to the U.S. . . . I saw this record -- four guys in suits with Fender guitars. I was like, "Oh my God, this looks just like The Shadows." It turns out it was a surf band called The Challengers who were one of only surf bands that covered Shadows material.

I picked it up and just started trying to find out more about it . . .. It just blew my mind and I thought I've got to do this.

Original article as PDF

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IndianapolisMusic.net Artist of the Week

IndianapolisMusic.net presents the Artist of the Week. Each week our editorial staff will select one local artist who has made a place in the spotlight for themselves by giving Indy's music lovers something they should be hearing. Along with the weekly IMN feature, the Artist of the Week will also be featured in the pages of NUVO Newsweekly.

The sound of a twangy lead guitar is inseparable from surf rock. It's a sound that The Madeira's lead guitarist has been following since a young age. Ivan Pongracic says "I started when I was 13. My dad used to be a semi-pro musician so I grew up with him playing the guitar. It was around the time I fell in love with The Shadows, a British sixties instrumental band, really big everywhere but the USA, and eventually wanted to play just like Hank Marvin, their lead guitarist. Given that I spent the last five years playing in Shadows tribute band The Troubadours with my dad on rhythm guitar, I guess things haven't changed much for me!"

Despite that devotion, Pongracic remained devoted to surf rock. "A lot of people think of surf music as something a bit cheesy and old-fashioned like the Beach Boys, Gidget and Wipe Out. That's completely wrong. True instrumental surf music is dark, fast, exotic and about as contemporary as it gets. It is the original indie/punk music, as most sixties surf bands self-released their singles and albums, played loud and fast, and didn't give a damn about the charts." It's that dark and exotic sound that The Madeira captures on "Sandstorm!", their latest CD release on Seattle's Double Crown Records. The band merges a Mediterranean feel with traditional surf sounds to form their unique sound.

Pongracic is joined by rhythm guitarist Patrick O'Connor, bassist Todd Fortier, and drummer Dane Carter. He says the band came together out of the players involved in The Troubadors. "I was really itching to play some original, powerful surf music again, and asked (Dane and the band's old bassist) if they would be into it. They agreed, but we still needed a fourth member. I knew Patrick since '99, and it occurred to me that since Destination: Earth! had slowed down he might want to join another surf band, a more traditional one. I emailed him, and he said yes! So, the Madeira was born. That was in the Winter of '04, and we had our first show in June of that year. Our original bass player had to quit due to family obligations, and we brought Todd in last spring. It's a hell of a band! It's simply a thrill to play with these three people, as they're all monster musicians as well as being super-cool and nice human beings. I'd been looking for this band for the last 20 years!"

With the lineup solidified, The Madeira began playing throughout the surf rock subculture. "There are hundreds of incredible surf bands all over the world today, and though most are under the radar, they are creating some exciting and vital music, music that is built on the sixties foundations but that exhibits each band's personality and character and is most definitely as NOW as it gets. And some of the best ones are from outside the US. All the bands are very supportive of each other, and help line up the gigs for the out-of-town surf bands, etc. It's a closely knit community, and it's full of incredible talent as well as intensely dedicated fans." Pongracic recommends Surf Guitar 101 as a good place to get started.

The Madeira is hoping to do a lot of work this year, according to Pongracic. "We're working on a summer tour of California. Hopefully we'll also do a short tour of Europe at some point, though not this year. He notes that the band is not a full-time concern, but it's a welcome outlet and release. They were to celebrate the release of their new CD at the Melody Inn Friday, January 27th at the Melody Inn, although they'll be unable to play after Carter broke his arm in a biking accident. Instead, O'Connor's well-known local surf band Destination: Earth! will play, along with The Breakers and Hyperdrive, Go!

Original article | Original article as PDF

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Phil Dirt Review of Rehearsal Recordings

The Madeira Rehearsal Recordings * * * * *

These 15 songs were recorded in rehearsal, but aside from the somewhat muddy sound, this could easily be a great album. The performances are stunningly good. The writing is superb. The covers are very well done. Some enterprising label needs to grab these guys before they slip away!

The Madeira are the new surf band from former Space Cossacks leader Ivan Prongracic. The lineup is Dane Carter - drums, Scott Waddell - bass, Patrick O'Connor - rhythm guitar, and Ivan Pongracic - lead guitar. Ivan, Scott and Dane are also members of the Troubadours, and Patrick is the lead guitar player in Destination: Earth! from Indianapolis.

Picks: Sun and Sand - rehearsal, Sandstorm - rehearsal, Express To Baghdad - rehearsal, El Caliph - rehearsal, Burning Mirage - rehearsal, Almoraima - rehearsal, Cordoba - rehearsal, Crescent Moon - rehearsal, Ricochet - rehearsal, Dilmohammed - rehearsal, Desert Drums - rehearsal, The Secret Route - rehearsal, Intruder - rehearsal, The Oasis - rehearsal, The Victor

"Sun and Sand" [rehearsal] * * *

This is a very atmospheric and haunting guitar solo that sets a mood of distant expectation. It may serve as an intro to "Sandstorm." Very pretty.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Sandstorm" [rehearsal] * * * * *

High energy and hard driving, "Sandstorm" is double picked low-E power with a scenic exotic quality. The glissandos remind me of Slacktone at times, but everything else is quite original, and stunningly played.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Express To Baghdad" [rehearsal] * * * * *

The Atlantics' classic album track "Express To Baghdad" is an interesting vehicle for the Madeira because its original blend of surf and the Shadows intensified is so well suited as a natural foundation for the power and intensity of this band. Very strong.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"El Caliph" [rehearsal] * * * * *

The drums and bass call up "Mar Gaya" as an underpinning for "El Caliph." It may be based on Randy Holden's masterpiece, but it's also quite original. Similar power and threatening stomp rhythm, but with the guitars' tone so different, as well as the advancing melody, it's really its own song. Excellent!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Burning Mirage" [rehearsal] * * * * *

Beginning softly, "Burning Mirage" moves into a rapid fire pummeling of the desert silence. An assault on the sights and smells of the Bedouin camp. Dribbling surf guitar, and aggressive intensity.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Almoraima" [rehearsal] * * * * *

Moody and ominous, "Almoraima" is a scenic piece with a dramatic overtone. It's a very artful track musically, and the drama of Paco DeLucia's composition is startlingly augmented by the band.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Cordoba" [rehearsal] * * * * *

"Cordoba" is a faster song with an urgency that carries it forward. On the dangerous side, and melodically exotic, it is serious surf for a dangerous age.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Crescent Moon" [rehearsal] * * * *

"Crescent Moon" begins softly, but quickly evolves in to a moody and lush song with a circular melody line that's haunting and sad. It's a very pretty song with profound emotional content. Spatial and moving.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Ricochet" [rehearsal] * * * * *

Big drama and intensity fill every corner of this fine song. "Ricochet" is thick and melodic, and quite compelling. Structurally, it reminds me of the Treble Spankers. Excellent!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Dilmohammed" [rehearsal] * * * * *

The Treble Spankers originated this song. The Madeira recreate it in a more thicker and more dominating arrangement. Big thunder and awesome drama.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Desert Drums" [rehearsal] * * * * *

This is an adventurous romp across the sands of a desert where tribal thunder commands the day. Great drums of course, especially in the solo, but the song is not all about the drums. The guitars splash and create drama and urgency. A wonderful track!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"The Secret Route" [rehearsal] * * * *

Rhythmic and dramatic, "The Secret Route" is a slightly dangerous song with an uneasy sense of things just over the horizon. Dark, but also a little optimistic.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"Intruder" [rehearsal] * * * * *

The Surf Coasters' "Intruder" is played in complete form with both the gentle introduction and the fire breathing electric assault sections in full force. Stunningly well played. I think the Surf Coasters would be pleased!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"The Oasis" [rehearsal] * * * *

This soft and moody song calls to the night with a savvy sense of sensuality, filtered by an outpost along a risky route across the desert. Dramatic and engaging, like a film score.
Surf Instrumental Stereo

"The Victor" * * * * *

The song that inspired Randy Holden's "Mar Gaya " is arranged with flair and originality, yet retains the intensely hypnotic nature of the song. Very Middle Eastern and moody. An outstanding cover!
Surf Instrumental Stereo

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Double Crown Records Rehearsal Recordings Review

Note: This review is from the magazine "The Continental #12"

The Madeira - Rehearsal Recordings (CD-R) * * * * ½

The Madeira is the new combo featuring guitarist Ivan Pongracic, formerly of The Space Cossacks. First off, I was pleased by the fact that the sound of his new band is not too far removed from his old band. It really sounds like a natural progression, with the same power and energy infused with more diverse melodies. Their sound is kind of a blend of vintage Atlantics and Spotnicks. It's obvious that they have taken their time writing these songs - there is nothing simple and straight-forward about these compositions. Despite being a "rehearsal recording" it actually sounds better than some Double Crown recordings we have released over the years. With a little tweaking (in my mind, very little tweaking) they already have a strong 14 track debut release in their hands.

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Shout Out from Phantom Frank

Hello guys,

Great version of Dilmohammed!! And I can tell cause I'm the composer of the song. I'm very proud to hear such a cover version.

Thanks,

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Local Economist Rocks With Surf Style

If one wanted to listen to surf rock for one month straight, 24 hours a day, they should look no further than Dr. Ivan Pongracic, Hillsdale College Chair in Austrian Economics. Pongracic owns 700 surf rock CDs and recently flexed his personal surf talents performing at the Roxy in downtown Hillsdale.

Pongracic plays lead guitar for the recently formed surf quartet The Madeira. Their music embodies authentic surf, focused wholly on energetic instrumentals with aggressive double picking guitar.

“Some people consider the music too strange and walk out, but very rarely,” Pongracic said. “Most people really enjoy it and get into it. We’ve had very good responses so far.”

Since formation in late spring 2004, The Madeira has played a handful of shows. Their website, www.surfguitar101.com/TheMadeira, hosts live video clips as well as streaming music samples.

Though two band members’ wives are expecting children in the upcoming months, Pongracic hopes the band will record an album over the summer to be released at a later date.

“We’re an original band and we want to record a CD,” Pongracic said.

Around 40 people visited the Roxy Jan. 22 to see The Madeira and Pongracic’s secondary band, The Troubadors.

While Pongracic can joke about the relatively small turnout at the Roxy, he can also offhandedly and humbly list his musical accomplishments. Pongracic’s college surf band, the Space Cossacks, released two successful albums which remain available on Amazon.com. The recently-released Kelly Slater: Pro Surfer video game includes a Space Cossacks track as well.

As a testament to his success, the Space Cossacks once opened for legendary surf act Dick Dale & His Del-Tones. The Space Cossacks also played with the aggressive punk act Agent Orange while on their Safari USA tour.

Pongracic can ably list his numerous musical contacts spanning popular rock, punk and surf bands. He is a surf guitarist who knows his history and has experienced success in his field, as is apparent to anyone with whom he converses.

Pongracic’s association with surf strikes many as unique, considering his doctorate in economics.

“It’s weird to sit in a suit and tie and discuss surf, but it’s what I love,” Pongracic said. “I like playing in rocking bands, and it’s not like I’m biting the heads off of bats.”

History of Surf

Pongracic’s love of surf music was fostered in his homeland of Croatia, long before he knew that the surf genre existed. Pongracic’s father, Ivan Pongracic, Sr., had a strong affinity for the popular European band The Shadows. Pongracic draws strong parallels between the Shadows of pre-1960, and the surf scene that would develop in California in the early 1960s.

The Shadows experienced unparalleled success throughout the world, but never had a following in America. Nostalgia emanates from Pongracic when discussing the Shadows, but combines with confusion as to their absence from America.

Pongracic’s father eventually toured the Adriatic Coast semi-professionally in a Shadows cover band. Both Pongracics play today in The Troubadors, a Shadows cover band.

At age 14, Pongracic moved to America. By this time, the southern California surf movement was well underway due to the musical prowess of one man: Dick Dale.

While much of surf music grows out of rockabilly instrumentals, Pongracic attributes three elements of surf to Dale’s style.

Dale began playing guitar far more aggressively than those musicians before him. Dale, often described as a megalomaniac, would boast of blowing up 50 Fender amplifiers before they could build one loud enough and durable enough for his playing.

A second technical aspect of Dale’s playing was his introduction of reverb distortion, an effect which could add fuzz or an underwater sound to surf playing.

Finally, as will become apparent to anyone who has encountered a surf song, exotic influences seem to seep into the guitar-driven melodies. Dale, hailing from a Lebanese background, made an effort to incorporate Middle Eastern, African and Greek vibes into his guitar plucking.

Dale was also a surfer and played primarily for surfing crowds in California. It was from this powerhouse individual that surf took off.

Pongracic managed to see Dale perform on his reunion tour in 1992, and would later open for him with the Space Cossacks.

“It blew my mind,” Pongracic said. “The guy’s playing really hard in his 60s.”

Dale’s music was later covered by numerous artists, including the Beach Boys. Pongracic distinguishes between the Beach Boys and authentic surf music.

“Most surf fans are interested in instrumentals,” Pongracic said. “The stuff I like is more dark, exotic, and heavy.”

Modern Scene

Pongracic, somewhat of a surf historian, also takes great interest in the development of surf over the past 20 years. He notes a small revival in the 1980s, as well as a resurgence around 1994.

The 90s surf movement can greatly be attributed to the film Pulp Fiction. Dale’s most famous song, “Misirlou” appears as the opening song in the film. An additional surf song appears in the soundtrack.

“The amazing thing is that over the last 10 to 15 years the scene has become international,” Pongracic said.

The Scandinavian Peninsula seems to be the hotbed of modern surf. Bands such as The Lunatics, The Langhorns, the Bent Tornadoes, the Treble Spankers and the Phantom Four come from the peninsula.

Pongracic is writing a three-part article on the Scandinavian surf scene over the last four to five years on the web at http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/SurfGuitar101.

Japan, which Pongracic dubs the, “cultural deposit of America,” also hosts a thriving surf scene still riding the popularity of the 1960s act The Ventures. The Surf Coasters have scheduled American tours.
“There is no language barrier and it is evocative music,” Pongracic explains.

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