Apparently, this album is a collection of new songs, a new extended remix, and previously released singles, remixes and recordings contributed to compilations. The band themselves are a trio of Jim Abrahams (guitar, effects), Marc Lockett (drums, percussion) and Jayson Slater (bass) and they bring in different brass players as guests. Based in Chicago, this is a surf instrumental band who appear to have got lost in the early Sixties and have no desire whatsoever to make it to the current day. They also have a sense of humour which is somewhat warped, with “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” here renamed “Steppin’ Porpoise”, but the one which really got me was their 2:37 take on “Tubular Bells”. I kid you not, but the only reason for playing it is to say that you have, once, and never go anywhere near it again. I guess if one regularly listens to this genre then you may not be aware of the majesty of the original, but this is not paying homage but instead is twisting it into this style and it just does not work.

That they do the same to a Christmas carol, “O Holy Night”, does not make me feel much better even though that is also messed about with. One can imagine these guys touring with The Shadows back in the days when instrumental music was all the rage, with the likes of “Apache” at the top of the charts, but while there may be some who really enjoy this surf pop album, this is not one for me and I do not think I will ever be returning to it again.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/TheBreakersSurfChicago
https://sharawaji.com/