Strange Shores
Sharawaj, 2022
8/10
A Chicago area based band with a penchant for instrumental sounds in the area of surf-rock, The Breakers assemble new songs, remixes, singles and compilation track for this very unique listen that even puts Dan Klapman and Gary Kretchmer on horns.
“Crystal Pistol” gets the listen off to a warm, atmospheric start, which then segues into a driving garage rock climate that benefits from swift drums and bouncy bass lines, and “Rotation” follows with a calmer spirit, where soulful sax and some curious psychedelia enters the flowing landscape.
In the middle, “Tubular Bells” recruits a dynamic prog-friendly delivery in the Mike Oldfield original, while “Vodka Sonic (Techno Tonic)” flirts with surf rock in a way that also seems like it could soundtrack a spy flick.
Deeper still, “Icicle Park” meshes surf and psychedelic textures into the sonically expressive gestures, and the title track exits with exciting string manipulation in a way that points towards Eastern influences.
The Breakers consists of Jim Abrahams (lead guitar), Marc Lockett (drums, percussion), and Jayson Slater (bass), and their precise version of surf-rock and beyond makes this a very distinct and memorable listen.
Travels well with: Willie Nile- The Day The Earth Stood Still; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul