The Riptide Rats - incredible new album - Waves Of Steel

Surf Guitar Rock

Story by Liam Hughes

25/11/2025

Waves Of Steel a 12-track instrumental surf album rooted early rock ’n’ roll, shaped by spaghetti western style with a modern edge.

The Riptide Rats, the Swedish band who describe themselves as an instrumental action-surf-western-rock’n’roll combo released thor debut album a couple of days ago, 20th Nov. Listening to it you can only imagine they are beaming this to us from late 50’s / early 60’s California. Love the brass on Dunes and the timely neigh at the end, amongst other things it gives the western feeling, like someone is staring you down from the shade of their cowboy hat brim wondering whether to draw. It is in reality lifted forward from sounding exactly like it was recorded in the 60’s as it has a rockier edge and although they are using tube amps and all the reverb of surf guitar from the time, the recording tech provides a much cleaner sound (and stereo). There is some fantastic 12 bar blues on Backwater showdown, loads of crashing cymbals and drum fills. Melodic solos a plenty too on this one. Some of it brings Duane Eddy to mind especially on parts of the really cool Straitjacket. I love the energy, the tunes, the melodies. It's fun, catchy and nostalgic. I bet they sound amazing live! Listen on Spotify Now!!