Mavericks by Chillingsworth Surfingham
Chillingsworth Surfingham is riding his second set of musical waves into shore with “Mavericks”!
This 2nd album keeps him on the chicane, expanding the to edge of Surf Music. The 12 songs have a variety of styles, from melodic high energy to acoustic quietness, that appeal to trad-surf fans but also paddle along beside it without capsizing it.
Chillingsworth Surfingham is well known to be the alter ego of John Ashfield. An elementary school music teacher by day and also leader of San Francisco’s indie power-pop band, The Bobbleheads. Rounding out the band for this release is Percy Surfingham (drums), Bartholomew Surfingham (bass), and Basil Surfingham (other guitars).
The album was recorded live at Secret Studios in San Francisco, CA in Spring 2024.
The standout tracks come crashing in with “Emergency Bear''. This kickoff song betrays the Dick Dale influences and energy, and repacks that into a 3 minutes where you can't stop dancing.
Keeping the party going, the second track, “Nancy Drew Mysteries” hooks you with a melody that’ll stick you on a line like a Pompano pulled to shore.
“The Dangerous Sea” evokes Cramps-like psychedelica, thanks to Percy’s loping double drum rhythm, but still with enough melody to get you out of any cross current.
“Top Fuel Showdown” is pure dragstrip excitement. They’ve stuffed a 357 hemi with glasspacks into a Woodie and launched it down the quarter mile.
“Rubber Sneakers” comes in as one of the more traditional surf songs, but clearly has an alternative 80’s music influence, as one would expect, given Chillingsworth history of growing up surfing on the Jersey Shore.
The closing track, “Flat at Dawn” evokes the tide is out and swells are quiet. It’s time to go to bed, at sunrise.
Tracklist
| 1. | Emergency Bear | 3:11 |
| 2. | Nancy Drew Mysteries | 2:45 |
| 3. | Snail Shell Stomp | 2:10 |
| 4. | Fjords | 2:50 |
| 5. | The Dangerous Sea | 2:24 |
| 6. | Top Fuel Showdown | 2:40 |
| 7. | Rubber Sneakers | 2:28 |
| 8. | Courtesy Star | 2:50 |
| 9. | Thinking of You | 2:49 |
| 10. | Tator Tots | 2:45 |
| 11. | Lazy Afternoon Feels | 2:53 |
| 12. | Flat At Dawn | 1:17 |
Credits
All songs written by Chillingsworth Surfingham (BMI)
Recorded live (mostly) at GetReel studios in San Francisco, CA
Produced by Chillingsworth Surfingham
Engineered by Rob Preston
Mastered by Dave Klein
Art: Adam “adoom” Cusack
Album layout: G. Bernard Humphrey
Thanks to: Rob Preston, Greg Humphrey,
Steven Wilson, Adam “adoom” Cusack,
Nancy Alegria, Todd Seeley, Ed McEachron,
CJ & Winter’s Tavern in Pacifica CA (No REALLY, its all about the music),
Big Tiki Dude (Jeff), Cousin Mary
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Chillingsworth Surfingham’s self-titled debut album is ready to hit the beach!
It's guitar-laden rock and surf instrumentals with a side of Tiki that will leave you shaken, not stirred. It’s a new wave of surf, not traditional, but plays well with it. It’s energetic when it wants to be, and mai-tai smooth when it doesn’t. For those who enjoy surfstrumental music, you’ll catch this wave!