"PLAY THE HITS OF THE FUTURE" CD
DJ JOHNSON, COSMIK DEBRIS E-ZINE
More fun, thundering surf/spy/spacerock from the 23rd century, brought to us by a trio of aliens who have come back in time to give us the ultimate sneak preview at a greatest hits album. At least that's what they claim, and as they're aliens and therefore heavily armed with those... BZZZT! laser thingies, I'm not going to be the one to say "nuh UH!" ... I find myself pulled into wild space battles by the crazy theremin and the hyper drums, amused by the unexpected mid-song voice samples saying things like "I'll take a can opener to that funny suit of yours and tear you apart," and generally entertained by the entire package of a good band with a clever gimmick and 16 original songs that rock hard amid the reverb. This is album number three for DESTINATION: EARTH!, and each one has been significantly stronger than the previous. That's good news for the rejuvenating instro surf scene.

"PLAY THE HITS OF THE FUTURE" CD
ALAN TAYLOR, PIPELINE INSTRUMENTAL REVIEW, ENGLAND
For their third album since they landed on Earth four years ago, DESTINATION: EARTH! have been on a trip to the future to bring us a preview of some hits to come... Guitar rock is alive and well in the 23rd century, and that's where D:E! take us with this lively album of guitar instrumentals. Boosted by touches of theremin, film soundtrack instros, and the occasional catch vocal, this is basically a great rockin' guitar instrumental set.
Operating live as a three-piece, they wisely add an extra guitar track for recording purposes. Whilst drums and bass retain their extremely busy style, the second guitar part allows lead guitar the freedom to be more expressive and less concerned with filling every moment with notes. The results are still intense, but are more rewarding due to the scope for variation in the arrangements. "Tripwire" and "Suzy Space Cadet" come in at mid-tempo, while "Out of the Shadows..." has a decidedly early 60's UK feel to it. The "...Into The Sunset" portion [of the track] is a full 18-minute finale of atmospheric space sounds that gradually build and then fade away. The vocals are pure catchy pop - I find them irresistible - while the remaining bulk of the album finds D:E! in full guitar rock flight. It's dynamic stuff... with the band's pop sensibilities fully intact, it's also very accessible and a great deal of fun.

"PLAY THE HITS OF THE FUTURE"
DAVY PECKETT, NEW GANDY DANCER, ENGLAND
One of NEW GANDY DANCER's favourite instrumental rock trios are back with another storming visit to the furthest planets... All originals again, all with a lot of life to them and awash with exciting riffs and rhythms. Production is rocking, and it's an album with some crackling action. Harder edged than their previous set (and all the better for it), there's an urgency to the playing... For listening, partying or as background music for your next trip to Saturn, this is the one. A band whose music is indestructible!

"PLAY THE HITS OF THE FUTURE" CD
THE CONTINENTAL MAGAZINE, BELLINGHAM, WA
**** 1/2 stars! Destination: Earth! are back with their third full-length release, probably their best to date. The band are truly at their peak - sixteen excellent songs and not a cover in the bunch.

"PLAY THE HITS OF THE FUTURE" CD
PHIL DIRT, REVERB CENTRAL/KFJC, SANTA CRUZ, CA
Destination: Earth is in their own league, and continues to produce consistent instrumental rock... Picks:
"MAGNETIC MENACE" ***
This is an aggressive and well arranged rock instro, with a solid beat and big twang chords. It has an interesting super hero guitar line, and is relentless in its delivery.
"TERROR FIRMA" ***
An ominous opening leads to a cold distortofest with a cool bridge. Some fine string bending and/or whammy action adds to the danger.
"TRIPWIRE" ****
A lighter instro with a more surfable melody line, and a superhero feel. Whammy sting and circular licks are augmented with swirling Theremin and a solid beat. Infectious and well constructed, simple and interesting.
"SPACE COWBOY PARTY THEME" ***
Cowboys on steroids ride the mechanical bulls in Austin. That's the general tenor of "Space Cowboy Party Theme," though there's also more consistent intensity and less dynamics than that might suggest.
"SUZY SPACE CADET" ****
A splendid and fun melody, a groovy bass line, and interesting drums combine to create an off beat and intriguing song. I like this a lot.
"OUT OF THE SHADOWS, INTO THE SUNSET" ****
The bass opens this almost LOS STRAITJACKETS song. The production values and tone are not LS, but the melody and arrangement are similar enough to give you the idea... a very cool tune; melodic and bouncy, with excellent playing all around.

"BURNED ON RE-ENTRY - THE SOUNDTRACK COLLECTION" CD
THE CONTINENTAL MAGAZINE, BELLINGHAM, WA
This soundtrack collection also serves as an unreleased/rarities disc for D:E!, for many of the songs here are remixes or demos. Many of the songs originally appeared on their first two CDs, but the versions here are new, with additional instruments, samples, or in a couple of cases, more reverb. I'm certain not one to argue with adding more reverb! With 18 excellent tracks lasting a total of 72 minutes, this is probably my favorite D:E! release to date.

"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" CD
PHIL DIRT, REVERB CENTRAL/KFJC, SANTA CRUZ, CA
Four Stars! A bit off the surf path into vacuous space, but this CD is a worthy side trip as you search for the perfect wave... Often inventive, the music within is never dull or dismissible. It is imaginitive, sometimes a little geeky in its humor, and always enjoyable. Ten instrumentals surround five dangerously odd vocals about space and aliens... Picks:
"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" ****
Infectious thick chorded chunk, sub-surf guitar, theremin wails, and a cool beat all in the same bowl of sci-fi soup. Catchy, fun and memorable. It comes to a big whirling theremin end.
"GATTLER GOES SURFING" *****
With a somewhat quirky melody, "Gattler Goes Surfing" splashes with a geek-clique tongue in cheek warmth and fluffiness. Fanciful and very cool, this finds its way into your brain like that commercial theme you hate to catch yourself whistling. A brillilant piece of construction.
"JET JOCKEY IN ACTION" ****
"Jet Jockey In Action" is fun, in a warped kind of way, with a rhythmic basis and too-fun riff and party pace. Warm and happy, without being soft and sappy. Great song.
"STATIONARY ORBIT" ****
Sinewy whammy chords and haunting surf guitar over soft, exotic percussion portray an image of sunset island off the coast of Mexico, or maybe just outside the asteroid belt. Dramatic and fluid.
"SYSTEM FAILURE" ***
Thick rockin' space grind, with whirling organ and chorded massive edge. Slightly melodic, somewhat dangerous, and sporting a brilliant break delicately plucked in stark contrast to the main theme. Nice track!
"A SHOT IN THE FOOT" ***
Slightly reminiscent of a death struggle between "Peter Gunn," "A Shot In The Dark," and "Have A Nice Funeral My Friend," this fine track makes new waves in strange places and leaves you satisfied.
*Click on image at left for complete review.

"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" CD
DJ JOHNSON, COSMIK DEBRIS E-ZINE
I love it! I get several fixes at once. I get my surf jones satisfied because they can really handle instro surf in the style of MAN OR ASTRO-MAN (samples and all), I get laughs... because they throw some funny lyrics into a handful of their tunes, and my diversity fetish is totally covered by their effortless pivots from the aforementioned styles to punk and hip-hop. There's so much going on in between and behind the focal points that you can listen over and over and find new things. Most bands do one or two things. DESTINATION: EARTH! manage a perfect blend of six or seven, and do them all very well. All the reviews compare them with MAN OR ASTRO-MAN, and they'll never escape it... but I have to tell you that, while I found my way to the 3rd wave of surf via MAN OR ASTRO-MAN, these guys could wipe the floor with them. Time to check out the band that could be the savior of the genre. Or at least the keeper of the flame until the fourth wave.
http://cosmik.com/aa-october01/reviews/review_destination_earth.html

"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" CD
DAVY PECKETT, NEW GANDY DANCER, ENGLAND
Not for the first time, the sleeve [of 'Adventures In Newspace'] is a tribute to the obvious wonderful "original" space instrumental album, and the group give an excellent and special mention of The Ventures in their press releases. The band, while adding some vocals here and there, are progressing nicely, and this space concept album is very clever, with some startling originals - The title theme of which is kind of Dick Dale meets Batman! Lots of rock dynamics between guitars, drums and organ on the likes of "System Failure" and "Jet Jockey In Action," plus the very Ventures '66 sound, which blends with The Police sounds of the 80's on "Pupil Pistol." Then there's the delicious outright surf cut called "Gattler Goes Surfing," which will please any listener. Very tight band with lots of original ideas - Some listeners will liken them to Finland's LAIKA & THE COSMONAUTS, or even early MAN OR ASTROMAN, but don't; they're great on their own. "A Shot In The Foot" is a grand, riveting track. Strong drums throughout deserve to be applauded. Excellent CD, which deserves to launch (all right, sorry) a lot of sales. A Winner! ****

"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" CD
KEITH HANNALECK, MUZIK MAN'S SOUND SCRIPT
DESTINATION: EARTH! has landed and left us another great musical adventure. With a rocking combination of traditional surf, rock, punk, and spy, you will be launched into hyperspace. The group is even better this time around. This is their second release and there is a noticeable maturity in their sound. They add a lot of vocals to their songs, and it sounds really good. Usually groups that are known for the instrumental sound do not succeed when they attempt adding vocals. This group is an exception to the rule. They have a divergent new wave Devo-like sound with a surf-instro edge. The sci-fi theme is still in place and now they have added a spy slant to the story, kind of like outlaws in space on crack - Now that's a scary thought.
Not only is this fun music, its good quality music, and it's made to play LOUD! Any good surf-instro group worth its salt (arrg! matey) makes music that is ready to blast out of the speakers. Fifteen tracks that kick some major ass comprise this power-filled space hot rod called "Adventures In New Space." I can see why they call it "new space," because it looks as though they have created their own niche for sound in the genre... This CD is a real blast, in more ways than one.
My space brothers, DESTINATION: EARTH!, you have the MuzikMan's blessing. May your travels take you to new worlds to discover strange new life and bizarre civilizations!
http://www.muzikman.com/destinationearth/html

"ADVENTURES IN NEWSPACE" CD
ALAN TAYLOR, PIPELINE INSTRUMENTAL REVIEW, ENGLAND
Destination: Earth! launched in Pipeline 48 with their 'Trapped In Hyperspace With' album, where I referred to their having a similar approach to Man...or Astro-Man! Whilst MoAM remain quirkily inaccessible to most RI fans, Destination: Earth! have further developed their more melodic style. The cover of 'Adventures In Newspace' mimics the 'Ventures In Space' album, both front and back. Their music is sixties based too, guitar driven with occasional Farfisa fills, but it has a modern, youthful drive and more than a touch of humour about it. The band members have taken sci-fi comic book names and dress in intergalactic warrior costumes. My favourite twist is in "Whore Of The Worlds," where the catchy MoAM song evolves into a wonderful spoof of The Doors' "When The Music's Over."
For live gigs D:E are a three-piece, but wisely, in addition to the Farfisa, they add a second guitar track to fill out their studio sound. This also allows them the flexibility to develop some interesting arrangements. Choppy chords and punchy drumming enliven the title track with its fiery riffs, while "Stationary Orbit" is a moody, twangy ballad that builds and builds into "Whore Of The Worlds"...
Damped reverb picking leads "Attack Of The Anti-Matter Men," with big chords for the chorus and a couple of soundtrack clips that are entirely appropriate. Farfisa decorates "System Failure." "Gattler Goes Surfing" is a lighter weight piece with the odd surfy phrase thrown in. "Hotrod Supernova" is a driving rhythm-led belter, while "Cast A Long Shadow" has echoey tremolo guitar plus power chords over a thumping beat. Even its brief space rap vocal interjection seems to fit. "Jet Jockey In Action" recalls the pre-reverb surf guitar style of The Belairs, whilst "The Pupil Pistol" could be MoAM at their accessible best. With a brief nod to "Peter Gunn," "A Shot In The Foot" launches into a heavy chord-crunching theme with a lightly distorted lead that includes some stinging tremolo. Finally there's "The Vacuum Effect" with its sparse arrangement and threateningly moody lead.
Sure, Destination: Earth! are different. But they're not so way out that trad RI fans with a little sense of adventure won't be able to get into them... Try, it's fun!

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
PHIL DIRT, REVERB CENTRAL/KFJC, SANTA CRUZ, CA
Lots of sampled or created bits a la MAN OR ASTRO-MAN? Some surf, some eighties influenced pop darkness, and many other interesting tracks... Picks:
"N REMAINS CONSTANT" ****
Plucky punkoidal bleakabilly, with an almost soulful riff. This is an unusual piece, and while not really melodic, its many changes and precise energy are very engaging. Dig the mysteries of surfing the outer reaches of space.
"THE MUMMY FACTORY" ****
Suave space'n'groove, like a funky version of the Swamis, with great percussion and a fluid structure. Excellent.
"BOLDLY GOING NOWHERE" ****
Almost an eighties new wave popster, with a spunky percussive backtrack, and a speedy riff with coy dramatic chop-chop changes. Pretty cool, like a "What Ever Happened To Eddie" (Butch Patrick aka Eddie and the Munsters) theme with weird science keys and no vocals.
"SONNIE DOES THE STICK" ****
This is a very nice surf piece, with a fluid melody line and a smooth yet funky bass line. The sound is moody yet crisp. I think this is the best track here, well crafted and engaging, with most sustained listenability.
"FLYING FORTRESS" ****
A glissando and tom toms open this tribal surf epic. It has an eighties LA surfband feel, yet is not dated. Very fine track indeed. I especially like the drum work.

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
KEITH HANNALECK, MUZIK MAN'S SOUND SCRIPT
After performing in front on vast quantities of human life forms and having no desire to return to their home planet, DESTINATION: EARTH! has decided to give the earthlings what they clamor for. The carbon based units require excessive theatrics, good music and all around fun and entertainment to sustain their population. The group provides all of that by dressing up as spacemen and acting out a play by play script of intrigue and excitement... The music found on this CD is not of this world. Who ever heard of a surf-instro group that could sing, and do it well? You will bare witness of the proof when you hear one of the best songs on this disc, "Alien Loveslave." If that doesn't satisfy your saltwater palette, then all of the instro numbers will give you a supercharged rocket ride around the universe. It's a two-way ticket. Influences vary from third wave to traditional... This group is having the time of their lives, and making great music because of it. You get the best of both worlds (theirs and ours) with DESTINATION: EARTH! - An outasight stage show and echoing surf-spy-instro ringing in your ears. Yes, life is good on Earth these days. http://www.muzikman.com/destinationearth.html

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
IMPACT PRESS E-ZINE
OK, are you ready for this? Take your favorite surf rock and rockabilly bands, strap them to a titan rocket, and blast them right the hell into space! What results is DESTINATION: EARTH! That's the only way I can describe this. These guys (R5-D4, 7-Zark-7, Raider-X) are completely immersed in the future and all things that belong there. This is surprisingly good, especially [R5-D4] who is one badass drumming astronaut. This is a lot of fun and is worth your dollars, or whatever they use in the future!
http://www.impactpress.com/articles/junju100/musicr6700.html

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
ALAN TAYLOR, PIPELINE INSTRUMENTAL REVIEW, ENGLAND
Although plowing the same future-time furrow as MAN OR ASTRO-MAN, DESTINATION: EARTH! have sensibly taken a heavier dose of melody on board. The lineup is 7-Zark-7, R5-D4, Raider-X & Gattler The Terrible, with 7-Zark-7 providing all of the material. "Sonnie Does The Stick" is a melodic guitar feature the likes of which you'd never find on a MOAM release - It's far too pretty. But the rest of the tracks are equal to anything that band has done, and they certainly make this album far more accessible... If you like your guitar instrumentals with plenty of youthful drive, and a touch of humor, then look no further. If all you want is more predictable fare from Hank or Dwayne, street clear.

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
DAVY PECKETT, NEW GANDY DANCER, ENGLAND
...Lots of energy and enthusiasm albeit a little light on melody, with a particularly hard working drummer. Guitars are driving as you would expect, and we imagine they'd be a real handful live in concert. All tracks are original material by the boys. Best cuts are the heavy guitar-led "Sonnie Does The Stick" and the frantic 12-bar "Idioblast Invasion." Whilst we don't understand the title, it's as good a slice of typical rock instrumental as you'll get. Should be very popular with the younger element... Good debut album from the group.

"TRAPPED IN HYPERSPACE WITH..." CD
STEVE HAMMER, NUVO NEWSWEEKLY, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Four aliens. Five drums. Ten guitar strings. ONE INVASION! The permutations are endless! You could call the music of these surf-spy-influenced aliens derivative, but you'd be a dumbass and nobody would talk to you. These guys, who hail from a spaceship called Centre Neptune, have obviously studied their Madness and Specials records with a special emphasis on Dick Dale. Having said that, their live show is as compelling and fun as any in the state of Indiana at this time, let alone the rest of the galaxy

"DESTINATION: EARTH!" CD EP
PAOLO NARDI, PARCO DIO ZINE, ITALY
Amerigheni fuori di testa che sostengono di arrivare da Vector Sigma!!! Surf ala MAN OR ASTRO-MAN con qualche pezzo cantato; decisamente di alto livello. Se si LIQUID GERMS sentissero questo CD uscirebbero di testa perche sembrano troppo loro!!

"DESTINATION: EARTH!" self-titled CD EP
JUSTIN EAGAN, FUMAGE ZINE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
They have arrived! DESTINATION: EARTH! is finally here, and their new self-titled release is packed full of other worldly melodies. The record includes five strong original songs, and one cover of Reverend Horton Heat's "I Can't Surf" (re-titled "Robots Can't Surf"). The CD version includes all of this, plus a special bonus track! I highly recommend this record for all fans of surf/instro music, especially bands along the lines of MAN OR ASTRO-MAN? or THE VENTURES.