An Earful of Surf Rocks and Pops

** 1/2

Brazil 2001

“Fist Full of Sand�

(no label)

Brazil 2001 hangs five in the reverb-soaked tradition of ‘60s surf music. But where the other foot goes is unpredictable--and that’s a big part of the charm of this humorous but seriously sizzling rock trio from L.A.

This debut CD’s highlight is a cover of the Pyramids’ early ‘60s nugget “Penetration.� Guitarist Bernard Yin skids off into hard-rock variations of his own that bring to mind Ritchie Blackmore and Deep Purple zooming through “Highway Star.�

B2K1 (as the band likes to abbreviate itself) is as much pop group as surf band. Most of the tracks are vocal numbers set to steady-rocking beats and stoked by the versatile Yin’s craftily brawny sonic explorations. The songs speak wryly of unrequited or out-of-reach love, always using clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrical motifs drawn from the beach milieu to match the surfy sonic borrowings.

Still, despite good melodic hooks and some nice harmony vocals, the Brazilians’ half-spoken lead singing needs a boost before the band can catch the perfect surf-pop wave.

(Available from Brazil 2001, E-mail: [email protected]).

Albums are rated on a scale of * (poor) to **** (excellent), with *** denoting a solid recommendation.

* Brazil 2001 plays today at 4 p.m. at the 2nd Annual Surfrider Foundation Benefit Bash at Hennessey’s, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. The music starts at noon; the Eliminators, Acoustic Jelly, Nomads and Green Room also are on the bill. Free. (714) 492-8248 (Surfrider Foundation) or (714) 488-0121 (Hennessey’s). Brazil 2001 also plays a free show June 8 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive Ave. (714) 960-3483.