As much as I love championing some of the great releases of each year, I also feel pretty uneasy about so many of the things that don't choose. I'm as aware as anybody that my taste is just my taste! So I brought in other people's taste!
As always, I give total free reign over how they want to present them. Thank you for everybody that weighed in this year, sorry it took a while to publish.
Dorthy Treasure/DJ Dotty
Host of the Paradise Cove surf podcast.
We enjoyed some fantastic releases in 2025 and the ones below are just a few of the ones that stay in my rotation, in no particular order of preference and I’ve made no distinction between release length. Great music is great music. If you haven’t heard them or picked them up yet, do yourself the favor and add them to your music collection today.
The Frigidaires - “Hot Vacation” (LP/CD/Digital)
I know some surf peeps are dead set against albums with vocals, WELP, exceptions should be made for the exceptional. This full length has only a few vocals, but they are done right, and frankly, I’d like more! Three part harmonies with a lead vocal the likes of which you haven’t heard since the 60’s. For the instrumental surf purists, there are plenty of exceptional instrumental cuts as well. The Frigidaires take us on a truly hot vacation with a meld of sounds from around the world! A few of the stand outs for me are “The Beast” with it’s trio of guitars, a frenetic drum beat that drives into your soul, trumpet that caresses your ear at every right moment and transports us to the splendors of the middle east. “Arrows Out” finds us riding a motorcycle with our pals on an endless open road, headed to wherever the wind blows, with this fuzz dripped masterpiece , and “ Mavericks” is a musical description of what it’s like to hit one of the world’s most dangerous surfing spots in Half Moon Bay. Careful travelers because this beach trip isn’t for the novice! Beautiful melodic breaks between massive barrel waves of crashing drums and frenzied guitar. This album is the kind of vacation I want, every year!
The Aqua Barons- “Back On Track With The Aqua Barons” (CD/Digital)
My Favorite guys from Lechaio are back with their usual greatness! This album has everything that makes me love this genre. I’m not exaggerating. A potpourri of textures and sounds touching not just the classic trad, but eleki, fuzz, spaghetti western, horror surf, hot rod, there’s very few who can masterfully pull this type of album off, but The Aqua Barons know how. “Cove of Dreams” is a dreamy escapade with harmonized vocals and a sensual sax that lures you in for a moonlight swim. “Pagoto Kerashi” beckons us to Japan, a masterful nod to the eleki sound from the days of yore. We’re off hot-rod racing in “Barons on Wheels” a superbly catchy tune that’ll have you dancing OR speeding a little on your car ride to work (I won’t tell!) “Land of The Great Ghoul” is a fuzz drenched flight into a macabre 60’s dance party. The Munsters would have played this at their Halloween party! “Surf Crusade” is the A-HA moment in this album for me, these gents BREATHE trad surf, give it a modern flare, and it shows.
JUDODOJO - “Gulf of Mexico” (CD/Digital)
An 8 song jewel from this dynamic duo! If you haven’t heard of Judodojo, well, pull up a chair and let your DJ Dotty tell you a wee bit about one of the best up and coming bands. Hailing from Monrovia, California, Judodojo is comprised of Jacob Heath (Guitar) and Jannea McClure (Drums). Only two people? Two is ALL you need when you have their chops and stage presence. They’re hella fun to watch live!
Now, do you happen to recall the “Choose Your Own Adventure” series of books you’d buy at your schools’ book fair, as a kid? This album embraces the same concept and even sports album artwork reminiscent of the beloved old series book covers! The first thing you need to do on this adventure is buckle up for the ride you’re about to go on. Where does it take you? You choose! You’d think with some slightly dreadful song titles such as, “The Mouth of The Devil” or “Dance of the Damned”, portends something a bit dreary. Instead , we get mouth full of the devils fevered conga beats and then, a true dance party you’ll want to join, with flamenco style guitar married with harmonic twin guitar metal riffs, peppered with a splash of disco. “Cyclogenisis” truly feels like the inception of a wild storm and everything about this song sweeps you right in. “Sin Salida” (translates to: “without an exit” in Spanish) is an absolute odyssey with a fuzzy bass line, EXCEPTIONAL guitar riffs perfect for fighting dragons , the drums punctuate the ferocity of your dangerous doings and the moment the trumpet kicked it at the refrain, it was absolute chefs kiss from me! No Exit? That’s fine. I’m never leaving. This album is a journey I want to revisit time and time again and you will want to as well!
The Fathoms - “Hard To Fathom” (LP/Digital)
The Fathoms gave us two astounding full length releases and a spilt 7 inch, in the mid/late 90s, all of which should be filed in reference under: “Third Wave Required listening” and then, they dumped us. Leaving everyone wanting more for almost two decades.18 friggen years later, they’ve reemerged from the ocean depths, got the band back together, and picked up EXACTLY where they left off. It almost feels like some one flipped back “on” the “off” switch they mistakenly hit in the 90’s, and yet they catapult us into the new decade with jaw dropping arrangements. “Hard to Fathom” further displays their mastery and is another addition to your listening requirements for THIS decade. They never stopped being top tier in the surf and instrumental scene, they just took a “little” break. This album is a testament to that. It’s reverberated poetry.
Adept in the art of the sensual build of the crescendo, The title track is a beautiful wave to ride in on, beginning with potent drums, the tremor of the guitar beckoning accompanied with a soft sax that alternates and lures you from your hiding place. Before you’re even aware of it. They’ve pulled you into the waters and dropped you on to the point break, you’re in for a sweet ride! “End of the Trail”, is now my official Western Movie Stand-off theme song. Battle drums that march you thru the dusty road to meet your destiny. The guitar and soft organ both echoing the story of what led to this moment as brilliant fuzz kicks off and church bells chime when you’re finally face to face with your opponent. “Planet of Rain”, finds you flying above an uncharted far off planet. A beautiful blend of reverb, the guitar, punctuates every movement. Rollicking drums pelting you along with a sweeping cymbal that rides the crest of the song and your journey. The bass line frantically pulls you deeper in to the terrain, a bit ominous and anticipatory to what the planet surface will hold and trails off in the end with hopes of pleasant discoveries.
An exceptional album from beginning to end. If you haven’t picked this album up yet, make sure to do so and make your own discoveries.
The Woodhavens - “Barkada” (LP/CD/Digital)
This debut album was released just in time to become my official summer soundtrack of 2025. To further add to my excitement and love for this album, they also played the SG 101 Convention and Weekender, completing the circle of ultimate summer fun! If you enjoy partaking in glorious amalgamations of reverb with a dash of punk, coupled with powerful harmonic chords, this is definitely for you! The title track “Barkada” lives up to its name. A melodic polyphony that evokes the joy and comfort of a circle of friends who are like family. There’s concord in every element of this song , from the sweet call and response of the guitars to both soft AND ferocious drums and bass. It’s both bad ass hard AND soft at the same time. A solid tune! “JoJo & The Seven Seas” is the lovely love song on this album and my favorite cut . The drums open and sets the tone with a steady pulse that builds the scene. The sun is rising and your boat is on course to the most beautiful island in the world. A reverb drenched euphonious tune that feels like a lullaby. As a direct contrast, Tunnel is a ferocious punk inspired tune that you could mosh to, with transitional moments to catch your breath which are reminiscent of 60’s tunes. The guitar stays wet thru the entire song even thru the lightning fast tremolo picking.The bass eats your soul and the drums are ravenous. I’ll see you in the pit with this one! This album is the apex of fun, it’s fierce, full of joy, and a standing testament to the PNW sound.
Par Avion with Paul Johnson and Friends “Mr. Moto/Squad Car” - (7 In ./ Digital)
Can the wheel be reinvented? Apparently, yes! Most of us grew up hearing these iconic classics, They are staples on the radio, in cover band set lists, and if you’re lucky, you’ve seen Paul Johnson play them live. Par Avion teamed up with their friend, surf music legend Paul Johnson ,along with a few more of his notable long-time pals which include: John Blair (Jon and the Nightriders) , Dusty Watson( Dick Dale, Sonics, Slacktone, Nashville Pussy) , Marc Doten (Double Naught Spy Car) , on Mr. Moto, and DJ Bonebreak (X), Ferenc Dobronyi (Pollo Del Mar, Frankie and the Pool Boys) and Sys Malakian (Perro Agradecido, Thalasses) on Squad Car, and created a thing of beauty. They brought these classics forward into this century with new arrangements, completely reimagined!
Put the originals out of mind, or a moment, and listen to these with fresh ears. Mr. Moto jumps out from the get go with a kaleidoscopic echo that beckons us to follow him down a rabbit hole, transporting us beyond our normal realm. A swirl of auditory smoke begins to envelope this new space, someone steps out from the shadows, slowly approaching. You’re meeting Mr. Moto face to face, for the first time, he’s quite suave and you are under his spell! So many fun touches in this sultry version! From unexpected guitar solos that join in all the right places to the piano appearing in the perfectly placed moment. Everything about this arrangement feels so right!
Then we flip the 7 inch to experience A whole new Squad Car! We’re all used to the high octane versions, this isn’t that, this baby is deliberate and takes the tempo down nice and slow. It made me realize I’ve heard this song for decades and have always loved it, but now, I’m truly SEEING it for the first time and, OH MY! Beginning with some juicy bass, it begs to be savored at every moment, guitars echoing, murmuring, and wailing, it courses thru you like an undulating wave.
It’s hard to believe these songs were written over 60 years ago! A phenomenal collaboration with the original song writer and an absolute must have for everyone’s collection.
Chad Shivers (& friends)
Chad has been in a number of great surf bands, currently The Frigidaires -- who happen to be the "& Friends" here! He has a youtube surf vinyl review series recently rebranded as Surf Wax & Vinyl Tracks. And the latest episode is below!
Mark "Malibu" Sanders
Mark is the frontman of the long-running Canadian surf group Mark Malibu & the Wasagas.
Mark Malibu’s GUEST GREMMYS - 2025
Here’s to another year of great releases… and lots of NEW bands! I look forward to making this “Best Of” list, listening to everything possible off the Storm Surge release list, plus other releases I’ve found along the way !
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Best Traditional Surf LP
There’s lots of Trad and 60’s inspired music this year so I chose 6 in no particular order as neither can be ignored for the other. They are all MUST LISTEN LPs.
Preston Pfanz & The Seaton Sands - Return to Burnt Island
Put on your smoking jacket and toss away that pipe! Because you’ll be twisting the night away with your best friends, or maybe just the dog. Either way, this LP is a 60s smorgasbord of tasty treats. Every track delivers, like the surf rocker “the Tingler”, ultra saxy “Holly Gully Twist”, and the giddy up and go of “Peak Hour”. Edinburgh is a groovy place!!!
Back on track with...the Aqua Barons by the Aqua Barons
Another trad 60’s sonic journey. It’s the 3rd full length album by Greece's instrumental, rock' n' roll combo! My FAV is “Kolobotsi a Go-Go”, in a slick Elecki style.. Fuzzy love to hotrodder “Barons on Wheels”. Then there’s the creepy “A Shadow in the Mist”. Bass VI and organ.. c’mon! Love it!
I. Jeziak and The Surfers by I. Jeziak and The Surfers
There’s not really more to say about this band or release. It totally nails the the TRAD Surf sound in every way. Performance, writing, arrangements, mixing. So many songs less than 2 minutes… just as they should be. PERFECTO!
Los Straitjackets - Somos
Some of the tastiest guitar playing I’ve heard in dogs years … the band’s 15th studio album, and their first in 6 years or so. They been busy backing up the king of POP, Nick Lowe. Lead off track, “Bumper Car” is that Straitjackets sound we’ve all come to love. My personal FAV is the beautiful Shadows like “Polaris”. Chris Sprague is the grooviest drummer on the planet! They’re not just another band, they are modern surf rock masters.
The Woodhavens - Barkada
Thundering surfy goodness. One track after the next delivers. Strong melody and structure with top notch production. My personal FAVs are “The Heat” and “Eruptors” No snare drums were harmed in the making of this record !
Bob Keefe and the Surf Renegades Live at Triphammer Arts.
Im not a fan of LIVE albums… but Boy o’ Boy this is a skillfully executed live LP. Clean, twangy and precise. Feels very much like a Ventures performance from the 60s. WOWzers!
Best Modern Surf LP
MetroKino by Palooka 5
It’s electronic,.. it’s bionic… It’s supersonic! If Kraftwerk ever put out a Surf Instro LP, this would be it. The title track sets the mood for this sonic journey through time and space. The more Trad surf Torschlusspanik is Devo meets the Ventures. I LOVE the final track, Evil Machine (Reprise) which feels more Ultravox (Midge Ure years)… I’d give this release 6/5 stars !!!
Marty Stuart- Space Junk
This LP crosses all genres, Surf, Spaghetti western, Rockabilly and plenty of REAL Country Music. Marty and his band has been putting out high quality albums for decades now. “Over The Moon” has mind-blowing guitar work. The title track, “Space Junk” is very soundtracky. Bass guitar takes the steering wheel on “Coastline”. Its an expensive double LP to buy,… I’m cheap… and I bought it !
Best "Rad" Surf Record
Surf by 0NIQÈST0K
There’s a certain charm to these tracks … maybe its the drum machine, maybe the lo-fi. Could the “Daniel Johnston” of Surf living in Brazil? Possibly recorded on a cassette multitrack. Strong melodies, well structured and well played!
Runner up would be Black Lagoon Night Surfin' by Beach Moonsters. Whatever’s going on in France… is Tres Bien !
Best Horror Instrumental
The Weird Uncanny Occult World of Night Chill by Night Chill
“Thrill to the terrifying sounds of twenty torrid tracks spread over one unholy disc of doom! We are evilly elated to unleash this anthology of abomination collected on CD officially for the first time!” This CD went around in my SUV for months… It is AWESOME and a MUST HAVE for any Horror Surf fan! Featuring the ghoulishly great Theremin work of Thea Triffid!
Runner up would be Eternal Surfer by Bonewaves out of Montreal. We can’t be that scary in Canada, can we?
Best EP
There were so many EPs and singles this year, we could probably crash your favourite streaming service … however I picked my 4 favourites. Lots of new bands, which is GREAT! …. But here we go in no particular order….
Robo Diddley VS The Rockin' Robot 7" by Les Robots
From the Netherlands, this combo always delivers something super fresh. It’s like these boys heard 1977’s Glam Instrumental “The Crunch by The Rah Band” and said let’s add some “Perrey and Kingsley” and surf down this road. LOVE IT!
Flight Of The Seagull / Taboo by The Screaming Seagulls
Two songs on this digital release. “Flight Of The Seagull" is a killer Trad Surf track and an ear worm for me. B-side is an even slower sexier version of “Taboo”
The Fuzziyama Surfers - “CD/EP”
Waiting for the new LP ? Well here’s 3 previously unreleased tracks and a new version of the awesome “Chambara”. One of the BEST bands out there!!!
Apocalipsis Instromundial by The TORMENTOS
YowZa ! Heart pounding Trad Surf … Check out the lead track, “Empire”…. Followed by “Bandera Roja”. All four tracks all excellent!!!
Best Cover Surf song
Theme From The Sweeney by Delicious Patricia
So cool, the theme from one of my FAV gritty Brit TV COP shows. No nonsense coppers breaking all the rules to get their man … way ahead of its time. The track is gritty and uncompromising… just like the show.
Best Christmas Surf song
Tinsel Tangleby by Blackball Bandits
Only available digitally but a very nice festive uptempo gallup through the snow. Surfing’ Kitty X-mas 5 anyone?
Best Compilation
Surf Rally for Cali: Fire Relief
52 Tracks from 52 bands, 2 hours and 35 minutes of Surfy goodness on 2 CDs…. This is the LIVE AID of Surf CDs. Jim Abrahams, lead guitarist with the Breakers spearheaded this original idea assisted by co-producers Marc Lockett (the Breakers), Rick Deliz (Secret Agent) and DJ Jet Sterling, best known for his Surfabilly Freakout radio show that broadcast out of Central Illinois for so many years and now running an online station ”Interstellar Espionage Radio”. Check it out. BUY IT!
Best Album Cover Art
Bonshaw 500 by The Green Reflectors
What in the Holy Heck! It’s a record, its board game, it’s the Bonshaw 500!…. with 4 racecar game pieces and a spinner to attach to the spindle on your record player. Reminding me of the “Game of Life” except you’ll be listing to super cool Surf tunes, Hanging out at Coco Bongo beach and trying not to miss a turn in the pitstop!. … the music is AWESOME, so CHECK IT OUT !!!
PS: Stop using AI art. Your visual presentation is part of the release. If you want folks to support your sonic art, show that you care about visual artists. END OF RANT !
Sean Berry
Sean is the man behind Double Corwn Records and The Continental Magazine. He also played bass on a bunch of tracks for The Other Timelines, who released a compilation of their EPs this year!
Here are my top rated releases of 2025 as reviewed in Continental Magazine 39 and 40. Out of fairness, I've left off the three Double Crown Records releases in 2025 by The Other Timelines, Frankie & The Pool Boys and The Woodhavens, which in my biased opinion would have made this list as well. It's a snapshot of the current state of the music biz that there is a mix of physical and digital-only releases in my list. Overall, 2025 was a good year for surf and instro rock, and I'm happy to report that as of February 2026 it looks like this year will be another good one with new releases by The Volcanics, Krontjong Devils, Les Robots and The Kilaueas (on CD).
The Concussions - Heart Full Of Soul / Don't Bother Me 7" (Goon Lagoon)
I. Jeziak & The Surfers - Spooky Tunes Digital Single (Hi-Tide)
The Untamed Youth - Git Up And Go LP / CD (Hi-Tide)
Urban Zotel - Heatwave / Emergency Exit Digital 2-Song Single (Martin's Garage)
V/A - The Phantom Surfers and Jackie & The Cedrics - Split 2025 Tour 7" (Time Bomb)
V/A - Surf Rally For Cali: Fire Relief 2xCD (Self-Released)
Keith Hannaleck
Thanks again for everybody that lent your opinion. We're halfway through May at this point and I've already heard some stuff that I expect to find on these lists in (hopefully) less than a year's time.
