VINTAGE GUITAR
April 2000
John Heidt
If you're excessively monlingual, you might not know that Pollo Del Mar translates to "chicken of the sea." I like it just for that. But I like it for other reasons, too.The band bases it sound in surf music, but they do so much more. There is no "formula" at all. They're a very unique-sounding unit that mixes all genres of music into a melting pot of sound. For instance, the menacing bass and elastic guitar of "Annabelle Lee" is far more imaginative than most surf bands today. They are also not afraid to funk up the mix ("Cutlass Supreme"). If you stick around long enough, you'll hear some jazzy surf (does that really exist?) on "Consuela's Revenge." For plain old nasty rock, check out "Rt. 666." and their "Apache '99" takes the original's melody and turns the classic into a quiet, quirky mood piece. Throughout the album, the guitars of Jono Jones and Ferenc Dobronyi propel things along with imagination and verve. If you're a fan of good instrumental music, check this one out. Recommended.

JUXTAPOZ
April 2000
As soon as the twangy guitar strains kick in on it's first track, "Annabelle Lee," The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea transports you to a white-sand beach where tropical drinks are unlimited and hula girls undulate around you continuoulsy. We have San Francisco's own Pollo Del Mar, a long time leader in its instrumental genre, to thank for that. Rippin' guitarists Jono Jones and Ferenc Dobronyi, bassist Jefferson Turner and drummer Chris Thomas have been making waves in the Bay Area since1993. The band's surf-music roots and intrepid exploration into jazz, funk and good old rock 'n' roll fuse effortlessly again on The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea with a customary mixture of original work and covers. Of special note are groovy renditions of The Dead Kennedys' "Moon Over Marin" and Herb Alpert's "South of the Border." Cover art: 9

Cool and Strange Music
March 2000
Eric Eidelbach
Scanning the track listings on Pollo Del Mar's (love that name) second surf-instro outing elicited a groan as I saw yet another version of the Shadows' overly covered "Apache," (here dubbed Apache '99). Then I noticed a song titled "Moon Over Marin." "The old Dead Kennedy's tune?" I wondered aloud, frightening the girl at the next booth. Well, as it turns out, it indeed is the DK tune, and done really well at that, I really wish surf acts would do this more often, covering tunes not beat to death like say "Penetration" or "Mr. Moto, how's about some Black Flag, ? and the Mysterians, or hell, even Les Baxter for that matter?
As for "Apache '99," I was stunned. Somehow Pollo has managed to breath new life into this well-worn favorite, playing it at a hypnotically slow pace, producing waves of traquilization guaranteed to soothe the hardest of hearts. As well, there's some excellent originals, particularly the leisurely paced "Annabelle Lee," and the silky smooth surf-meets-spy-meets Herb A. feel of "Consuela's Revenge." In a nutshell, all instrumental listeners, surf or not, need to pick it up pronto, you'll be glad you did.

Tiki News
Otto Von Stroheim
The Pollos are leaning toward picking up where The Mermen left off. And why not now that The Mermen have tossed surf music to the wind and apparently are pusuing a more avante garde bend? Pollo sounds as solid as ever with a variety of styles including Herb alpert's "South of the Border" (with Horns!), Dead Kennedy's "Moon Over Marin", a killer "Litle Drummer Boy", and a slow as lavaflow version of "Apache" called "Apache '99". cool tiki art by Shag rounds out this must have neo-surf CD.

L.A. Ritmo Magazine
Pollo Del Mar - The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea
Sept. 20, 2000
A release from the group Pollo Del Mar is anticipated with anxious excitement. They are one of the premier third wave groups of surf and have made an indeli-ble mark upon the genre in the short time that they have been together. Their first album, “The Ocean is Not For Cowards” was an impressive debut. This second release has more consistent driving energy than the first CD.
“The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea” separates Pollo Del Mar from the pack in several convincing ways. The group has developed their own unique sound– each tune is different and consistently over flows with powerful waves of energy, and, last but not least, the sound of Pollo Del Mar remains very distinctive, led by the Latin/Spanish flavored guitar style of group leader Ferenc Dobronyi. The rest of the group has plenty to say on a high musical level and they all lend a hand in the overall recording production. All the right elements are in place for a strong and tight group.
Every track is a reverb-tinged rocking gem. The only exception being the last track, “Apache ‘99” which is a slowed down version of the song– like The Ventures on downers. It's not your typical cover, but then why be predictable? It's a clever version of a normally bright number. “The Saracen Gift” is a brilliant adaptation of "Little Drummer Boy" put to a haunting and dark soundtrack.
There is an ever present changing and shifting of rhythms and beats throughout this recording, such as the spicy salsa flavored cover of Herb Alpert’s “South of the Border” –it’s a real treat for any instro fan. Tasteful and always top-notch instrumentation by one of the best surf-instro groups on the planet. Pollo Del Mar is a very innovative and talented group that deserves all the accolades and attention that any great group receives. This album is a testament to their universal appeal and their strong foothold in the surf-instro world.