Getting out of the cover band circuit is hard, but New Jersey old school rock 'n' roll BreakTime have written a couple of originals that could be sneaked into their sets at weddings and such, and been mistaken for long lost tunes from the late '50s/early '60s. Great Times is an album that is obviously recorded on a shoestring budget and the lead vocals could use a bit more oomph, but the melodies are catchy as Hell. The joy of hearing themselves play their own material for a change is almost palpable. The main theme is boy meets girl never gets old, as well as the anxiety whether it will last.
If anything the release of Great Times will give them the confidence to pursue a career that does not require them to play Superstition, Baby I Love Your Way, Sugaree, Wonderful Tonight and Rock N’ Roll All Nite for the umpteenth time to an audience that is likely to be more interested in the open bar or trying to get laid. Just placate them with the instrumental Jam Sauce as an opener of the show and smuggle in two or three more, with the rocking Catch A Ride, 425 as the penultimate song of the last set.
BreakTime:
Sean Manuel: bass, keyboards, vocals
Thommy Delaney: lead guitar, vocals
Douglas Lupo: rhythm guitar, vocals
Peter Roefaro: drums, bongos, claves, tambourine, vocals
Great Times is a self-released album. Buy it from his website. Tracks:
- Mastermind
- Maybe No, Maybe Yes
- Good To You
- All That I Need
- I Wish She Knew
- Jam Sauce
- Tammie
- Catch A Ride, 425
