It’s not often that you can see Godzilla-inspired surf rock by an Alabama-based band wearing Japanese Kabuki masks. But this Friday at Jose’s, Daikaiju will make that dream, or nightmare, a reality. (The Mystery Lights and A Royal Symphony open.)

The band takes its name from a Japanese word that roughly translates to: a building-sized monster like Godzilla. Daikaiju may be a bizarre name choice for surf rockers, but the Huntsville, Ala. sextet grabs inspiration from nothing typical. Forget Hawaiian-print shirts and song titles that reference famous beaches and gnarly surf breaks – these guys go for B-movies about mutant Mothra women (a giant lepidopteron with characteristics of butterflies and of moths), mutant cyborgs and Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots.

Beyond their elaborate persona, Daikaiju’s members play music that shreds like Godzilla’s claws against Tokyo skyscrapers.

“Escape From Nebula M Space Hunter” evokes a dramatic effect that would perfectly accompany a scantily clad cave woman trying to escape the thresholds of a giant scorpion. The rhythm and lead guitar duke it out at high tempos while the bass and drums keep up at machine-gun speeds.

“Zombie Harem” is to Daikaiju what “Pipeline” was to Dick Dale: a psycho-surf trove of fast-paced rhythm and rivers of reverb. But Daikaiju takes vintage surf sounds to a modern level, complete with shrieking guitar interludes. Despite the group’s quirky, sometimes nonsensical guise, it would be hard to find any contemporary surf bands with comparable talent.

And the world has been taking notice: Daikaiju’s 2005, self-titled album received glowing reviews from Internet tastemakers including Pitchfork Media and Hybrid Magazine. The band is in the midst of recording a follow-up LP that will be out in the near future.

Mystery may be the most important part of the band’s dynamic. Daikaiju cultivates a well-entrenched alter ego, hidden beyond the masks on their faces and their pseudonyms: Secret-Man, Speak-Man, Hands-Man, Rumble-Man, Radiant-Man and Necro-Man. They rarely break character, as was evident in an e-mail interview with Speak-Man:

How did you get into the whole Japanese monster theme?

Without hesitation or apology.

What are some of your favorite monster movies and why?

Godzilla vs. Megalon, Matango, King of Lobsters and Terrible Monster Uncle Buck. All these movies summon the unstoppable river of tears.

Who are your musical influences?

Sweet harmonies of The Mothra Girls, the sonic boom of The Devil Cross Formation Attack, heavenly flute from The Land of Wind and Ghosts and Falco.

How is your music received in Alabama?

The puny and weak of Alabama rely on the Daikaiju force to banish and smash their tormentors. But are Daikaiju any better? Never to ask!

What are some career highlights?

Featured in a very good magazine, [which] explained the many elements of our culture and career life.

What are you working on now?

New, beautiful sonic discus certain to amaze lovers of obsolete, beautiful sonic discus – additionally, new stickers. But Daikaiju master project is focusing the energy to tighten abs with sexy new dance video for all ages!

Do any of you surf or do you just dig surf music?

Daikaiju surf in the five elements: fire, gold, dirt, bone and space.

DAIKAIJU, THE MYSTERY LIGHTS AND A ROYAL SYMPHONY start playing 9pm Friday, Sept. 18, at Jose’s, 638 Wave St., Monterey. $5. 655-4419.