CD Review 2

The Breakaways — Time Surfin'

...by Stephen L. Robbins

     I must confess that my first choice of surf styles is traditional. I prefer its overall sound and feel much more than the modern styles. Maybe it's the equipment. Maybe it's the way it's played. Whatever the reason, it's my preference. Sad thing is, finding traditional surf music is very difficult these days. Let me rephrase that a bit ... finding good traditional surf music is very difficult these days. So, I consider the day I was asked to review The Breakaways Time Surfin' CD to be one of my luckiest. This is a really fantastic collection of classic style surf rock.

     The Breakaways are a traditional surf band. They use only vintage Fender equipment to achieve that classic surf sound. And I can say, without any reservation, they have totally and completely captured that classic '60s surf sound. The Breakaways are a blast from the past and are deeply connected to some of the best traditional surf music you're ever going to hear. They are a breath of fresh salt air.

     The Breakaways were founded seven years ago by Craig Skelly. Collectively the band members have more than 100 years of experience as musicians. They are:

Bruce McCoy: Guitar - Bruce was originally in the '60s surf band The Nocturnes.

Craig Skelly: Guitar - Craig is the founder of The Breakaways.

Gus Moratinos: Drums - Gus is from Argentina and is a graduate from the Grove Music School in Los Angeles.

Alan Niizawa: Bass - Alan played in Goofy Foot and The Breakers.

Ed Riojas: Guitar and Keys - Ed played in the touring Markettes band in the early '60s.

     I know what you might be wondering. What is it that gets me so hepped up on these guys? Simple. What I hear is great. What I hear is old surf, like it was originally played — with feeling and skill. What I hear is a band who uses the quintessential equipment to be a quintessential classic surf rock band.

     The Breakaways rock out on Diamond Head, Journey to the Stars, Penetration, Out of Limits and Apache. Baja has some of the sweetest guitar licks you will find. And their originals — to die for! They have populated Time Surfin' with a sea of outstanding original compositions. North Shore Rumble, Ride the Crest, Longboard Lesson, The Curl's Revenge and Shark Breath are just a few that come to mind. Any one of them will stack up to the great classics.

     Saint Sunshine, these players are incredibly sharp. Their 100 years of experience as musicians really comes through. Anyone who plays knows how hard it is to deliver an accurate pick attack, smooth even string bends, slick well-timed slides and tasty whammy treatments. The Breakaways have to be proclaimed Numero Uno in this department.

     Did I mention the drumming? Gus Moratinos? He's disturbingly good. Check out Island of the Sea and Percussionator for a taste of his captivating drumming.

     Speaking of Island of the Sea, it is one of the most beautiful, dreamy songs I've ever heard. What a truly remarkable piece of work by Craig Skelly! I'd sell my soul to be able to write music like that!

     The Breakaways are dynamic. Who would have thought that a policeman (Ed), a creative advertising department guy for Disneyland (Bruce), a First Vice President from Morgan Stanley (Craig), a market research dude from the Disney Resort (Alan) and a rocket rocker from Argentina (Gus) would create the world's coolest group of traditional surfrockerdom? But, they did!

     In summary, there is absolutely no dead weight on this CD. Covers and originals are equally outstanding and wondrous to behold. ALL are played with great finesse and a definitive '60s feeling, right down to the classic drum fills and breaks. There's an abundance of reverb drenched double-picking to make even the wettest and thirstiest amongst us very happy. The Breakaways did it right!

The Breakaways: Time Surfin'
1) North Shore Rumble	B. McCoy	2:54
2) Ride the Crest	E. Riojas	2:41
3) Hot Doggin	Demmon, Patterson, Lindsay, Fifield	2:41
4) Waves of Change	C. Skelly	2:47
5) Pray for Surf	B. McCoy	4:00
6) No Surf	C. Skelly	3:10
7) Journey to the Stars	Taylor, Bogle, Wilson	2:21
8) Storm Surf	B. McCoy	2:25
9) Baja	Hazlewood	2:47
10) Diamond Head	Hamilton	2:44
11) Island of the Sea	C. Skelly	3:01
12) Out of Limits	Gordon	2:17
13) Shark Breath	B. McCoy	3:51
14) Longboard Lesson	C. Skelly, G. Moratinos	3:51
15) Penetration	Leonard	3:08
16) Apache	Lordan	3:15
17) The Curl's Revenge	C. Skelly	3:26
18) The Crusher	B. McCoy	3:35
19) Percussionator	B. McCoy	3:51
20) Surfin' Sam	E. Riojas	2:21

Recorded 2002 by The Breakaways, Eloy Studios
Overdubs, Mix and Mastering, Reel McCoy Studios
Produced, Mixed and Mastered, Bruce McCoy
Executive Producer, Craig Skelly
Cover Art, Design, Layout and Illustration, Duff Paulsen
Bruce McCoy: Guitar
Craig Skelly: Guitar
Ed Riojas: Guitar and Keys
Gus Moratinos: Drums
Alan Niizawa: Bass