Savage Island is a subtle, though fantastic record. It may take a few listens and one has to get past the light, retro-sounding production, which makes the band sound like they are far off in a corner somewhere. But the Bomboras have nailed the mood perfectly. Some of the songs, all of which are instrumentals, are relatively dark for the surf genre. "Slinky" is a particularly stylish number with thumpity-thump surf-style drums. Whenever the Wurlitzer piano kicks in, the songs really take off. (Many surf and garage bands employ such instruments, but few really know how to play them.) The Bomboras sounded even better on future records after they added a second guitarist to their lineup. But Savage Island, at a compact 25-minute-length, is an enjoyable, adventurous romp through exotic, forbidden islands. ~ Adam Bregman