5 best surf rock songs of the 1990s that still make waves today

In the ’90s, it wasn’t like surf rock was ruling the charts, but that doesn’t mean it vanished completely from the scene. With grunge, pop-punk, and nu-metal taking over the radio waves, a few bands were stealthily preserving the spirit of surf music – the twangy guitar licks and the echoey melodies – under the radar. As a gamer, I’d often find myself humming these tunes in between levels!

Many of these groups didn’t aim to rival mainstream music. Instead, they focused on creating their unique sounds, preventing the genre from becoming obsolete.

Back in the groovy ’90s, I stumbled upon some seriously rad surf rock tunes that were hidden gems, if you caught my drift. Whether it was a blast from the past, a dash of irony, or just pure affection for the vibe, those decades gave us some surprisingly powerful additions to the surf rock collection.

The best songs of 1990s surf rock

1. Man or Astro-Man? – “Maximum Radiation Level”

If you’re a fan of surf music with a sci-fi twist, Man or Astro-Man? dominated that specific genre in the ’90s. “Maximum Radiation Level” is a compact, swift, and vibrant track filled with the charm of B-movies, featuring gritty guitar textures and eccentric samples.

The group stood out with their strong embrace of a blend between old and new, futuristic yet nostalgic style, and this song showcases their unique method perfectly – it’s retro surf music that seemed both timelessly classic and strikingly modern.

2. Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet – “Having an Average Weekend”

You could possibly remember this tune as the theme song for The Kids in the Hall, nonetheless, its appeal as an exhilarating surf track remains unaffected, regardless of any association with the comedy series.

This music style strays slightly from the traditional 1960s genre roots, incorporating more post-punk elements, yet maintaining an authentic surf tone. The guitar riffs are appealing without being overly aggressive, and the track possesses a relaxed, enduring coolness that gives it an eternal feel.

3. The Mermen – “Pulpin’ Line”

The Mermen have ventured surf rock into a more spacious realm, and “Pulpin’ Line” showcases their peak performance. It retains the usual surf characteristics such as wet echoes and powerful beats, but they elongate these elements and experiment with space in a manner that feels more extensive than typical surf music.

This could lean towards being somewhat unconventional, yet it lacks the overindulgent feel often associated with such descriptions. If you seek music that harmoniously combines elements of surf and post-rock, this might just be your top choice.

4. Self – “Paint by Numbers”

These individuals infused an artistic flair into the genre, enhancing it through memorable melodies and energetic live acts. Their song “Paint by Numbers” is concise yet impactful, offering intricate guitar work and powerful drum beats without any unnecessary elements.

This song offers unconventional lyrics that cater to listeners who prefer to think outside the box, and it’s got a groovy, funky vibe enhanced by synth sounds throughout.

5. The Bomboras – “Return of the Death Ray”

For those seeking a powerful tune, this track is just what you need! The Bomboras infuse garage rock intensity into their surf style, making “Return of the Death Ray” feel as if they’re aiming to shatter the ceiling at an underground gig.

This work exudes a rustic charm, with its shaggy texture adding to its allure. They boldly embraced the campy aspects of their genre, which only amplified the thrill in their tunes.

2025-04-24 13:00