Music Review: Wes Dakus & the Rebels - Volume 2

Like The Ventures, The Shadows and other instrumental guitar bands in the 1960s, Wes Dakus & the Rebels offered a cool alternative to vocal groups of the day. The talented Edmonton outfit got to record at Buddy Holly’s legendary studio in Clovis, New Mexico where it cut such reverb-heavy originals as “Hobo,” “Sour Biscuits” and “Fried Rice.” Now thankfully back in circulation, these highly danceable tracks—including the slinky classic “Rattlesnake”—revive the twanging thrill of Canada’s pioneering beat group.