The Neptones : a brief history
The Neptones are an all-instrumental retro 60’s-style band . Their emphasis is on the classic surf sounds of Dick Dale, The Ventures, The Challengers, The Astronauts etc. They are also inspired by the hotrod sounds of Link Wray , The early Psychedelic sounds of Syd Barret and Pink Floyd , legendary film composer Ennio Morricone and biker movie maestro Davie Allen. Other influences include sci -fi movies, biker flicks and the films of Bruce Brown.
Formed in 1995 in Houston, TX. The Neptones began playing live in April 1996 at the legendary club Mary Jane’s. Their first public performance was opening for Vatobilly originators The Flaming Hellcats.
At Mary Jane’s The Neptones enjoyed a year-long weekly Wednesday night residency during which time their repertoire of classic covers expanded and they began writing originals in their favorite styles.
In 1997 The band produced a six song E.P. entitled Bikini Atoll Beach Party recorded at Secret Sound studios in Austin Texas.
The Neptones have worked with The Surfrider Foundation performing live at various fundraising events including surf movie screenings and events such as The Surf Stomp in 2004. Other interesting venues have included going mobile as a float in Houston’s famous Art Car Parade, parties, museum openings, and even the parking lot of a very nice “gentlemen’s club”.
The Neptones have released a CD called “Planet of Surf” on Deep Eddy Records. It contains 11 original tunes and a cover of “Journey to the Stars” by The Ventures. It was recorded at Sugar Hill Studios where Texas psychedelic pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators once recorded.
The Neptones are currently working on an upcoming album based on the idea of “a soundtrack in search of a movie”. The album features variations on original movie themes as well as a cover of film composer Ennio Morricone’s “Adonai”. The working title is “Original Soundtrack Recordings”
The Neptones music can also be found on the Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet tribute album “Better Than the Average Weekend” ( Deep Eddy Records ) as well as in the soundtrack of The Texas surf movies “There Ain’t No Surf in Texas” parts one and two.
