Name changes can spell disaster — or at least confusion — for young bands, but The Broken West appears to have only gained momentum since changing its name from The Brokedown due to legal issues with a similarly named act. It helps that the group's infectious blend of indie-rock and power-pop remains largely unchanged.
After forming in 2004, The Brokedown wasted little time in releasing a debut EP, The Dutchman's Gold. Well-received by critics and fans, the EP — and extensive touring in support of it — increased the band's national exposure. After changing its name and signing with the high-profile Merge label, The Broken West recorded its full-length debut, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, for release this week. Brimming with catchy hooks and sweet harmonies, the disc sounds like the stuff from which major breakthroughs are born.
Copyright 2007 XPN
