"Cosmopolis"
Laika & the Cosmonauts
Yep Roc, 2008
(Review by Jeff
Berkwits)
After two decades, the world's greatest Finnish
surf combo--okay, probably the world's only Finnish surf combo--is calling
it quits, with this 76-minute compilation serving as their swan song. It's
a fun finale filled with 27 guitar-drenched excursions that nicely blend
their rock and jazz influences with an obsessive fascination with horror,
sci-fi, and action movie music.
The group's rendition of "Fear," Harry
Lubin's theme to the TV show One Step Beyond, is flawlessly frightening,
while "The Ipcress File" captures the style and stealth of John Barry's
memorable spy thriller score. Other tracks, including "C'mon Do The Laika!"
and "S.P.Y.D.A.'s Web," showcase the four members' collective senses of
musical humor and adventure. Featuring both a handful of original compositions
and quite a few classics, it's an entertaining effort that nicely closes
out the band's storied career.
Buy this album from
Laika
& The Cosmonauts Website>>>
A long-time aficionado of retro music and movies, Jeff Berkwits
has covered vintage sounds for numerous publications and websites including
Bachelor
Pad Magazine, Filmfax, Outré, and
Amazing Stories.
He can be reached at jeffberkwits@sbcglobal.net.
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