The Breakers Wicked Cool Records***

The name of Steve Van Zandt’s record label on the album cover should give even the most unwary of listeners a heads-up: expect finger-snapping soul/ pop with a distinct proto-punk 1960s twist. Originality may count for little in the world of Denmark’s Breakers, but there’s no doubt that they invoke the spirit of their main influences with a fair amount of credibility. Yes, the guitar thrust and jaggedness of Anders Bruus and Klaus Højbjerg might have a contemporary punk-rock pinch to them, but Toke Nisted’s vocals are the closest you’ll come to a fusion of Chris Farlowe and Faces-era Rod Stewart short of being transported back to Richmond’s Eel Pie Club circa 1963. The songs here are good, too, and not such a facsimile that you’ll roll your eyes in despair. See thebreakers.dk

Download tracks: Riot Act, Union Street, Forever's a Long Time Gone