DENT, Ohio – July 16, 2025 – Music historians and collectors are abuzz with the rediscovery of one of classic rock’s most elusive tracks: “Santa Monica Static,” the sole single from the mysterious California band, Beast Party. Recorded in 1970 for a short-lived independent label, the master tape was recently unearthed from a private collection and is being hailed as a seminal, yet long-forgotten, piece of rock history.
“Santa Monica Static” is a three-minute masterpiece of tension and release that captures the dark underbelly of the late-60s counter-culture. The track opens with a haunting, tremolo-soaked guitar riff and a driving bassline before launching into a raw, powerful vocal performance. Its lyrics paint a picture of disillusionment simmering beneath the California dream, a theme that set it apart from the more optimistic music of the era.
Despite its radio-friendly length, the song failed to gain traction upon its initial, limited release. Contemporary reports suggest radio programmers found the track’s heavy sound and dark lyrical content too challenging for mainstream airwaves. The label folded shortly after, and both the single and its creators, Beast Party, vanished into obscurity.
Little is known about the musicians themselves, whose identities remain a mystery. However, local lore from the era describes their live shows as legendary, chaotic events that were “more like an exorcism than a concert.” The band’s raw, primal energy was reportedly too volatile to last, and they disbanded in 1971 after a final, implosive live show.
“This song is a ghost in the machine of 70s rock,” says music aficionado Allen James. “It’s the sound of a generation’s optimism short-circuiting, perfectly captured in three minutes. Why it wasn’t a massive hit is a tragedy, but its rediscovery now is a gift. It’s the holy grail many of us thought we’d never find.”
The track is slated for an official digital re-release on all major streaming platforms, with a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl pressing to follow. This release marks the first time “Santa Monica Static” will be widely available to the public in over 50 years.
