The latest EP release from Break To Broken brings out a genuine punk rock experience but does this with different guitar tones and even riffs that bring in a sort of garage rock aspect to everything and the combination of the two makes things automatically addictive along with this righteous energy and attitude that really delivers everything that you want from an action-packed release like this one.
Of the best things about the My Better Half +2 EP is its variety in songwriting and twists of genres that you don't expect and there's actually plenty of that within a three-song spectrum including a sort of intense acoustic ballad as well, and even during that track, they keep that staple feel vocally.
One of the biggest aspects of this record that really hit hard was just a pure love for the craft that these guys have because it really lets the record shine.
Not only that, but you also get this sort of live-on-the-floor recording feel from it because it's almost as if each of the players are feeding off of each other's energy the entire time.
Of course, this also really makes you want to see these guys live since the energy capture on the recording is so good you pretty much figure that in a live setting they're just going to destroy.
Again, the backbone of this record is based in punk rock for the most part and they really have that attitude and aesthetic down pat as it is certainly the drive behind the music.
You can also tell there's a good level of honesty throughout these songs and that they each seem to be coming from someplace real like a chapter in someone's life and that also gives it a certain authenticity that draws you into it even more because it's just more relatable that way.
Now, I'm not sure if these guys are relatively new or not but they do have a previous release from 2022 that's a full-length album and is also really good however the new EP stands a little bit taller in terms of their next step in the band's evolution.
The drawing was pretty much perfect across this release and along with the guitars, bass, and vocals, you have something that creates an atmosphere that makes you want to jump up and down or put your fists in the air and sing along.
I think that's what records like this are supposed to do. They're supposed to make you feel and want to be a part of them and Break To Broken certainly manages to pull that off without a hitch, like it's second nature.
Even if they are a newly formed band, it's definitely one put together by seasoned musicians who know exactly what they're doing and have a ball doing it.
With the release of such a killer EP, we wanted to have a sit-down with the band to find out where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for them.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "My Better Half +2 "! This EP had heavy elements to it and felt like a classic 90's underground punk and alt-rock project! How did this release come about? We'd just finished up and released our first album - The War on Sparrows in August 2022, and we'd already talked about a few different ideas for doing a cover song at some point. We also had one or two song ideas left over from the writing process of The War on Sparrows. We settled on "My Better Half" as we are all big fans of the band One Last Wish and the original song. We knew it would be a tough one to tackle but also one that fans of One Last Wish or post punk in general might appreciate. We finished off "Sorry Not Sorry" and added that to the project as a new song and then decided to add an acoustic version of "On The Beat" (track 3 from The War on Sparrows) as Eli had recorded a nice alternate version of it after experimenting playing it live solo. Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band? We formed in October 2020. Clint was bored and frustrated after producing years worth of demos with no actual releases, and with a gentle push from his wife went searching for bandmates to realize a dream of an online collaboration band in the vein of 90s post punk - with bands like Fugazi being the primary source of inspiration. Justin and Eli responded to a Facebook group message post on the Fugazi fan page and things went from there. Over the months we developed a way of writing and recording songs remotely and it's been a very satisfying ride so far! Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you? Justin: One of the things that I love about this band is that all three of us all contribute lyrics, even if we’re not the one singing them. It’s given me to opportunity to write a lot of lyrics without having to do much singing (something I’ve never been too comfortable with). With that being said, from an inspiration standpoint, the lyrics and music I write will typically be inspired by a book I’ve read, current events, or even just personal feelings and things I’m going through in my life. Clint: Social observations, events and cases from the past that still hold relevance in today's landscape and examining the way humans work and go about their business. The human mind and it's idiosyncrasies never cease to provide ample opportunities for songs and lyrics. We like to write music that will hopefully age well and provoke a wide range of thoughts and opinions from the listener. Eli: Lyrically, I tend to be inspired by ideas and concepts that lean towards the darker and cynical side of things, but that are also hopeful in nature. From a musical standpoint, picking up any instrument can generally result in a feeling of inspiration to write. Buzz Slayers: This EP has some interesting approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically? Clint: Personally I prefer bands that play with passion, are genuine and stick too their convictions throughout their careers. Bands like Fugazi, Bad Religion, The Mark of Cain, Fastbacks and Screamfeeder have all stood the test of time and stood out generally for me. Justin: Aside from the obvious Fugazi/Dischord, hardcore and punk influences, I’m a sucker for the 90s alternative rock that I grew up on and really enjoy some of the new bands who incorporate those elements into their sound like Wednesday and Momma. I’m also lucky enough to be friends with a bunch of talented musicians who serve as huge influences to me: Brian Mietz (Cabana Wear, It’s a King Thing), Mark Martucci, Craig Cirrenelli (The Atlantic Union Project, (damn) This Desert Air), and of course, Clint and Eli.
Eli: I’m kind of all over the map musically! I love bands that play loud guitar-driven music with great structure and melody who also aren’t afraid to tap into some sensitivity and musical depth. I’m also a sucker for a great hook and a solid groove! I love songwriters who often present their songs in a stripped down manner and lean into introspection and the realities of life, such as Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Lou Barlow. This influence in particular can be heard on the acoustic version of “On The Beat” on this EP.
Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
Eli: Spending time with my family and two entertaining cats, working in the mental health field, and doing my best to read more!
Clint: Tending to the large amount of pets I own, being obsessed with Formula 1 and Cricket, and dreaming about one day finishing the books I've had on the writing backburner for years!
Justin: I’m big into cooking, gardening, and any DIY project I can get my hands on. The rest of my personal time is spent with my awesome family and my 2 cats!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
Clint: Fake Names, A Vulture Wake, Hammered Hulls, Thee Sgt Major III
Justin: Dazy, Militarie Gun, Pool Kids, GEL, Drug Church, Birthday Girl
Eli: Messthetics, PLOSIVS, Elliott Smith, Tom Waits, Budos Band, and Justin’s project, Cats On Cats!
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
One of us lives in Australia and the other two in America - so it's not possible sadly! Eli, has been the best one of the three of us about playing live. He’ll do some solo shows every now and then where he plays songs from his project, No Wake. He’s also played one of our songs, On The Beat a few times, which represents the only time any of our music has been played live thus far. Who knows though, maybe at some point in the future we’ll be able to make something happen where the three of us can get together and play.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
We record, mix and master all our music ourselves at home and we wouldn't have it any other way. The DIY style was a bit part of all our upbringings and it's a very satisfying way to work. Everything has been done in our various bedrooms, garages and basements.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Ever since releasing The War on Sparrows we've been hard at work on the follow-up album! We've just completed the demo process for 12 new songs and in between work and family commitments will now get to work on recording the album proper. A release window isn't really clear at this point but we'll be sure to share some info and previews when we can.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
We always said even if 5 or 10 people that aren't family members take the time to listen to our music then that will make us happy enough. As fans of the post punk genre and Discord records type sound we felt there was more space in the world for those type of songs and the 90s DIY punk ethos. We hope there's a few people out there that agree and enjoy the songs - that's all we can ask for!