The San Francisco-based Aqua Velvets began creating their own distinctive style of original surf rock in the late '80s. The group came from the epicenter of the late '80s/early '90s new surf-rock movement, taking their inspiration from musicians like Dick Dale, the Shadows, the Ventures, Link Wray, Arthur Lyman and Ennio Morricone. Their brand of surf-rock incorporated elements of Latin and Mediterranean music, psychedelic, rockabilly and even some of the newer "lounge" music. The Aqua Velvets consisted of Miles Corbin (songwriter and guitars), Michael Lindner (bass, keyboards and accordion), Hank Maninger (guitar) and ex-Rubinoos drummer Donn Spindt. The quartet's excellent self-titled, self-produced 1992 Riptide/Heyday Records debut was recorded in phases over a four-year period after working hours in the Porsche garage where Lindner was employed as a mechanic, where the natural echoes created by the concrete floor and high ceilings created just the right amount of natural reverb. Three years later, the group returned with Surfmania on WEA/Atlantic, followed by 1996's Nomad on Milan Entertainment/BMG. Guitar Noir appeared in 1997. Their music also appeared in the film Jury Duty, the documentary Surfer Girl, and the CD-ROM Surf 101. ~ Richard Skelly