The Breakers - Strange Shores: Old Singles & New Hits CD (Sharawaji) 

This Chicago based surf/instrumental rock combo blends all sorts of outside influences into their sound. How many surf bands out there use a flanger? In the wrong hands it’d be a recipe for disaster, but over the course of several releases they’ve truly shown that they can skillfully use anything in their toolbox to create the sound they’re looking for. More importantly, it’s done in such a way that makes their records appealing to the listener. If you have an appreciation for goth and UK post punk of the 80’s, that a good chunk of this release will appeal to you just a bit more. For example, the lead cut “Crystal Pistol” sounds like it could be an instrumental outtake from a Chameleons UK session (and if you don’t know who they are, definitely check them out!). The next cut is nearly as goth, but then with the third cut you get a cover of “Stepping Stone” (here renamed “Steppin' Porpoise”) that’s done straight-up surf style with some great horn work and tempo changes. And so it goes - heck there’s so much variety that with track 9 out of 12 you get a festive rendition of “Oh Holy Night”. A great, diverse disc from this band that’s growing in popularity.

Tracks: Crystal Pistol - Rotation - Steppin' Porpoise - Escalation - Tubular Bells - Point Conception - Vodka Sonic (Techno Tonic) (Dr. CAW Remix) - The Moldau (Reprise) - O Holy Night - Icicle Park - Don't Go Into The Woods (Twilight Remix) - Strange Shores