KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
Verdict: Stunning second album of feel good break-up songs
Label: Rhythmethod
Hate to curse your summer but if you break up with someone these holidays, be sure to have this album by local country folk rockers the Broken Heartbreakers close by.
Even if you don't break up you should have this beautifully understated, yet passionate and feelgood album around. Like the sun, it's good for your soul, even though there's not much sunny sentiment here. Songs like Long Is the Night ("When you told me you wanted to leave me I said yes maybe it's for the best") and When You're Not Around are sad, but never pitiful. As the band's mantra goes, heartbreak is a good thing.
The group's core is made up of John Guy Howell and Rachel Bailey, who realised five years ago they both shared a passion for songs about love, loss and heartbreak and they've been writing about it ever since. Their self-titled second album gives you the feeling of being there on the porch step with them as they play.
Bailey's soothing, hushed cooing (similar to Margo Timmins from the Cowboy Junkies) is especially addictive, the pair's harmonies are effortless (see the lovely Sweet Marie), and remember, even if someone falls out of love with you you can always fall in love with the the Broken Heartbreakers.
