Ladies and gentlemen, meet the challenger to Keith Frank’s throne. Houston-balled band leader J. Paul Jr. takes many of his cues from the Southwest Louisiana dancehall king, and the 23-year-old accordionist isn’t afraid to challenge Frank on his home turf with his own lyrics. In “The Story, “J. Paul mimics the spoken intro to Frank’s “That Don’t Bother Me” and delivers the following lines: “You’re the man to beat/You won’t play with me/Everybody can see/that you’re running from me/You said only the strong/the strong survive/But all I see/is hate in your eyes.”

Taking Over is a hot 16-track disc, a testament to tight production, gritty vocals and simple riffs. The Newbreeds ride right on top of the beat laid down by their frontman’s punchy button accordion lines, all of which are accented by guitarist Raymond “Rambo” Williams’ percussive chops. Although just a few of J. Paul’s 12 originals work toward overcoming the minimal, repetitive lyric style that’s Frank’s trademark, the record documents a group with tons of potential.

J. Paul began as a drummer and vocalist, and where Frank will veer off his bread-and-butter dance trance boogie to experiment with reggae sounds, J. Paul mines ’70s soul influences a la Beau Jocque. Tracks like “Raymond’s Jam” and a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “It’s Alright” show that side of the band in fine form. Adding a little more variety to the effort, the Newbreeds’ version of “In the Still of the Night” trades an accordion track for an acoustic guitar solo.

J. Paul got his first accordion just two years ago, inaugurating his recording career with a solid self-produced disc. The Newbreeds currently have a standing Sunday gig at Sugar Hideaway in their hometown, but, as the lyrics to “The Story” proclaim, the band is “on the rise” and not afraid. To spread their sound.

Look for them some time soon at a dancehall near you.

–Todd Mouton