The Broken West

As one of the newest additions to Merge Records, great things are expected from Los Angeles’ the Broken West. They made some waves as the Brokedown, thanks to their self-released EP, The Dutchman’s Gold, but then had to change their name after the threat of a lawsuit from punk band the Brokedowns. Ironically enough, while their name might now sound more distinct, their music, at times, could quite easily be mistaken for label-mates Teenage Fanclub’s. Still, there are many worse bands to get confused by and most of I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On comes across like a mid-career album rather than a debut, thanks to the conviction of the band’s execution. It isn’t all glorious harmonies and layers of melodic guitars though, as the band does go beyond the realm of power-pop. Songs like "Shiftee” have a subtle country influence that finds the middle ground between mid-era Wilco and the Flying Burrito Brothers, while other moments are reminiscent of Wheat and A.C. Newman. All in all, a good mix. Even at this early point in the year, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On isn’t the most original album of 2007 but it is rather enjoyable and that still counts for something.