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The Broken West

Who? With a firm footing in L.A.’s burgeoning music scene, the Broken West (formerly known as the Brokedown) — Ross Flournoy (guitar/vocals), Dan Iead (guitar), Brian Whelen (bass), Rob McCorkindale (percussion), and Scott Claassen (keys) — are preparing to release debut album I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On Jan. 23 via Merge Records.

What’s the Deal? Boasting a full pallet of instruments and layered harmonies, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On could easily camouflage itself in an old stack of vinyl. “So It Goes” evokes the lyrical and sonic simplicity of bubblegum rock, while the rollicking “You Can Build an Island” has obvious Byrds influences. But the band’s experimentation peaks with the reverb-soaked gem, “Baby on My Arm.”

Fun Fact: He may be the bassist, but apparently Brian Whelen has pipes. “When I was a young boy I used to sing in Karaoke contests. I won my division and the prize was a savings bond,” Whelen told SPIN.com. “I have made more money from karaoke championships then from any other musical venture thus far.” ELIE Z. PERLER

Now Hear This:
The Broken West – “Down in the Valley” DOWNLOAD MP3

Talk: Will the Broken West go on? COMMENT

On the Web:
The Broken West at myspace.com