Watch: Dave Rastovich Jams with The Babe Rainbow

Words by Rick Snowden

If what they say about the link between surfing and music is true, who better to jam with than one of surfing’s grooviest? Dave Rastovich recently linked up with The Babe Rainbow for a live recording session near his home on the NSW north coast, adding percussion and a few layers of colour to the group’s head-spinning Love Forever. The session is the first episode of a new monthly series from Surfstitch called Live From The Green Room with the purpose of exposing surf-inclined artists whose surfing shapes their music, and whose music shapes their surfing. Think of it as a surfer’s Like a Version, if you’ve heard of that before…

If The Babe Rainbow title (which refers to that magic strip of sand between Snapper and Greenmount) doesn’t ring any bells and you’re kinda curious, think 60’s flower power, bright colours, a hint of swing and a tab of Lysergic. Seedlings of the Lizard King, now sprouted and flourishing in the revivalist movement. They’re easy on the eye and easier on the ear. The Byron based trio just finished a huge year, releasing their debut EP, touring the globe and scoring stacks of time on the airwaves. Right now they’re working on their first full-length release, taking time between to jam with friends and fellow movers and shakers.

For this session they had Mr Rastovich perched on bongos, slinging shakers and warping sounds with a synthesizer, the addition of which bringing a fresh twist to the arrangement. The song has a snappy, surf beat backing, a jazz-like feel that moves through breakdown sections washed with Dave’s effects and (guitarist) Jack’s swirling guitar tones. There’s something in the tempo and jive that seriously encourages one’s foot to tap. Dave hasn’t confirmed that he will be cutting a bowl and going on tour, but we do dig this little collaboration. Now, turn back the clock, swing along, tune in and drop out. Baby.