Plays Half Dead by El Supernaut: A Wild Ride Through Surf Rock Chaos
Alright, buckle up, because Plays Half Dead by El Supernaut is one hell of a trip. Released in 2013 outta Finland, this surf-rock beast slaps you upside the head and doesn’t let go until the last track fades into oblivion. The album’s got that raw, untamed energy—like someone took classic surf vibes, threw ‘em in a blender with punk rock grit, and hit puree. Produced and mixed by Hönttämäki Sound System (who clearly know their shit), it’s sharp as a shark’s tooth but messy enough to feel alive.
First off, let’s talk about “Kill The Poor.” Yeah, I went there. It kicks things off with a punch-you-in-the-face riff that screams rebellion without even trying. This isn’t some polished studio fluff; it’s dirty, distorted, and dripping with attitude. You can practically hear the sweat on the strings. If you’re not nodding your head or air-guitaring like an idiot within ten seconds, check your pulse—you might be dead. Bonus points for how unapologetically pissed-off it feels while still riding that retro surf wave.
Then there’s “Holiday In Cambodia,” which hits like a sledgehammer to the gut. Wait, no—it’s worse than that. It’s like getting sucker-punched at a beach party where everyone’s too drunk to care. The guitar work here is INSANE. Like, borderline unhinged. And when those vocals kick in? Jesus Christ, it’s like they’re daring you to keep listening. This ain’t background music for sipping Mai Tais—it’s fuel for starting riots. Or maybe just trashing your living room. Either way, it sticks with you.
The rest of the album ain’t exactly filler either. Tracks like “Chemical Warfare” and “Walking The Concrete Pig” bring the chaos, while bonus cuts like “Aces High” show they’ve got range. But honestly, what makes Plays Half Dead stand out is its refusal to play nice. It’s loud, brash, and kinda fucked-up in all the best ways. Mastered by Matti Niemi, it sounds tight enough to bang but loose enough to feel dangerous.
Here’s the kicker though: why the hell does a Finnish band nail surf rock so hard? Shouldn’t they be making melancholy folk metal or something? Maybe that’s part of the magic. They don’t sound like they’re trying to copy Dick Dale—they sound like they’re channeling his ghost through a broken amp and a bottle of vodka. And honestly? That works.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something safe, skip this. But if you wanna crank up the volume and lose your damn mind, grab Plays Half Dead. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors call the cops.
