Del Noah Spins a Fuel-Hearty Racing Album

Anyone remember the Orange County International Raceway, that ‘70s track in Irvine that featured honest-to-goodness dragsters? You can bet the members of Del Noah and the Mt. Ararat Finks do.

The fun-loving, Long Beach-based quintet just loves the smell of burning rubber, and its debut album is packed with greasy, high-octane garage rock.

Standing-out among the full-throttle if goofy (mis)adventures are the surf-and-sex-crazed “Del Noah,” the Waikiki-inspired, loungey-sounding “The Enchanted Dragstrip” and “Chicken,” which is lionized as “one of the 1950s favorite motorized games.”

Sure, the band’s vision is monolithic and heavily retro. And, yes, Dan “Grizzly Adams” Haggerty’s backing vocals on a pair of tunes bring only a campy element. But heck, why nit-pick when the musicianship is strong overall and the group’s unbridled enthusiasm is downright contagious?

Having separately honed their chops as members of El Grupo Sexo, Swamp Zombies, Insect Surfers and Pivot Foots, the guys bring a deft touch to demanding numbers, including “Mafia Staff Woody.”

Particularly impressive throughout is the guitar playing of Brent Walker, whose pliable riffs recall both surf-guitar legend Dick Dale and the ska-punk bent of the late Brad Nowell of Sublime.

Still, perhaps more noteworthy is Del Noah and the Mt. Ararat Finks’ obvious affection for the subject matter. They seem to live for this under-the-hood, turbocharged stuff. Coupled with the lightweight, fun vibe that sparks these 17 songs, “Blower Explosion” is perfectly suited for less-demanding, summertime listening. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.

(Available from Skunk Records, 203 Argonne, No. 202, Long Beach, CA 90603. [714] 375-1066 or skunkpub@aol.com)

*

* Del Noah and the Mt. Ararat Finks play Monday at the Blue Cafe, 210 Promenade, Long Beach. 9 p.m. $5. (562) 983-7111.

*

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