The Broken West reviewed
The Broken West
I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On
(Merge)
The unprecedented successes of Merge Records’ bands (Arcade Fire, Spoon) has assuredly elevated the profile a label known basically for Superchunk and a supporting cast of many a dedicated indie rocker. Yet The Broken West seem an unlikely addition.
Appearing: March 11th at Schubas in Chicago.
The band shouldn’t be rated upon the strength of their new colleagues, however it’s mildly interesting how such a straightforward, power pop band would end up near the locus of indie prestige. For its part, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On never falters from start to finish, tambourine-rockin’ with a well-placed butt in the face of Cheap Trick and Material Issue fanatics. “Down In The Valley” sounds so overjoyed the band threaten to disjoin and finish some celebrtory toasts with the audience. The album’s grit isn’t derived from attitude as much as reluctantly rasping the final takes at 4 a.m., having found no other recourse than Big Star’s Third and the Leslie guitar effects that ensue. They pull off Byrdisms (“You Can Build An Island”) and the Wilco-born “Hale Sunrise” with aplomb, though it’s the dirt that makes The Broken West a worthwhile visit. Welcome to Chapel Hill.
— Steve Forstneger
