THE BREAK – CHURCH OF THE OPEN SKY

Surf music is a sub-culture unto itself – and one that will rarely be taken seriously by the public at large. But with this project, The Break have re-invigorated the art-form with their unique cocktail of talent, and created a kind of nastier, adult version of the ‘classic surf record’. On board we have the infallible backbone of Aussie giants Midnight Oil – Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey on billowing, raucous Fender Jazzmasters, and Rob Hirst pounding his way across a hybrid rock drum-kit and kettle/gong set. Brian Ritchie from the Violent Femmes joins the fold with his muscular Fender bass, and the brew is complete. What sets this surf record apart from any other, certainly its 1960’s Australian predecessor Bombora! (The Atlantics), is that the melodies are unusual; a trademark of the trio’s songwriting in their Oils years, and it’s a delight to hear that familiar guitar interplay translated into the crashing, cinematic reverb sounds so unique to the genre. Full of brooding, moody baritone riffs and the occasional irreverent yelp (‘Birdman!’), this is an instrumental treat. Welcome to the church.

****