I recently received an email from the Oslo-based label Jansen Records. It featured the latest album by Los Plantronics. Los Plantronics are a four-piece band from Oslo who have been active since 1996 and have released several albums.
I’ve no idea whether people surf in Oslo – or, if so, where – but this band celebrates surf/guitar rock with a rare enthusiasm. They describe themselves as ‘ambassadors of trash and twang (& other delights)’ and characterize their music as ‘Mariachi Death Surf’. And that’s exactly what you can hear on this album. A surf instrumental that stands out from the usual surf tracks.
In 2007, they recorded 'Rancho Notorious', a great album featuring their take on surf and garage music, which I’ve only just discovered myself. Alongside some high-energy stompers, Los Plantronics aren’t afraid to give a Ramones classic a surf makeover. Another band I’ve come across far too late.
