Hot Sand
“Come unto these yellow sands,
And then take hands.
Curtsied when you have and kissed
The wild waves whist,
Foot is featly here and there;
And, sweet sprites, the burden bear.”
You wouldn’t think that Shakespeare would have anything to do with an instrumental surf band from Baltimore, Maryland, but as usual, the bard can connect to any part of life. This quote from The Tempest is a song sung by the musical airy spirit turned sea nymph, Ariel, to entice Ferdinand from a shipwreck onto Prospero’s island. Music is arguably the most important character in The Tempest, and this play is unarguably Shakespeare’s most musical.
Which makes it very fitting to connect to The Diamondeads. one of the most talented musical groups to hale from Baltimore.
If you’ve been reading this blog during the month of October, you know that its been all about music and inspiration. From “Steadman’s Wake”, the existentially nostalgic new release by The Connells, to the world consciousness dance vibe of Duran Duran’s latest release, Future Past, I’ve enjoyed seeing my favorite musicians from childhood offer more mature and provocative new music in 2021, decades after I first discovered them.
The same is true for The Diamondheads, known as the cornerstone of Baltimore’s independent music scene for over twenty years. Their latest full length release, entitled Hot Sand, is as diverse as any of the band’s other offerings, with tracks that will get you up and dancing around the kitchen, then chilling out while staring at your lava lamp.
If you are new to the world of instrumental surf music, the first thing to know is that it is not the Beach Boys. There are no lyrics.
The second thing to know is that it is not Don Ho’s Tiny Bubbles or any other schmaltzy music you might hear on a cruise to a tropical island.
It is the hard-driving, reverb-heavy, electrifying sounds borne out of the thrill of riding the awe-inspiring power of the mighty ocean on a ten-foot balsawood plank. The Diamondheads capture that feeling perfectly in their new release. If you don’t believe me, listen for yourself. This is one of my favorite tracks from Hot Sand, entitled Finder’s Keepers:
Doesn’t that song make you want to hop a plane to Baja, Mexico with your surfboard and charge into the pulsing and breaking waves? Did I mention that the world’s best surfing destinations are some of the most gorgeous locations on the planet? Below are just a few of the most well-known surf breaks on earth:
Do you recognize any of these locations?
From left to right: Half Moon Bay (California), Biarritz (France), Twelve Apostles (Australia), Waimea Bay (Hawaii). If you ever have a chance to visit any of these locations, I highly recommend listening to The Diamondheads when you do.
But instrumental surf music is not just for surfing - its also in heavy rotation at car shows, drag races, and motorcycle rallies. To wit, listen to this track from Hot Sand by The Diamondheads, called “69 AMX”:
Picture trading your surf trunks for dark blue jeans with rolled up cuffs and a white t-shirt for these tunes. Instrumental surf is music for a fun time on land or sea!
If you’re interested in other releases by The Diamondheads, I recommend their eponymous first album (especially Wavos Rancheros - wave if you’re from Baltimore, Hon), and their second album, Diamond Head at Dusk (especially Patapsagogo - another homage to Baltimore).
Check them out on youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to your favorite tunes. The weather may be getting colder in the northern hemisphere, but you can always warm up with The Diamondheads’ Hot Sand!
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