Breakwater was a prominent American funk band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Renowned for their distinctive fusion of funk, soul, and jazz, the group's signature sound was defined by powerful brass arrangements, tight rhythm sections, and the exemplary vocal talent of lead singer Gene Robinson Jr. Breakwater's most influential work is arguably their 1980 hit "Release the Beast," which was later sampled by French electronic music duo Daft Punk in their song "Robot Rock." Despite a relatively short career, Breakwater's unique sound and influence remain significant in the history of funk music.