how did the west break?

Last night I paid a visit to Sea Level Records in Echo Park for The Broken West's record release party. I've blogged about the band before (once with controversial results); they used to be known as The Brokedown, but apparently ran into legal trouble with the name. At first I wasn't crazy about them (too twangy), but in the intervening time they became incredibly poppy and catchy as hell. They're rising stars (if a record deal with Merge is any indication of such things these days). Merge is even touting them as influenced by Teenage Fanclub. While not incompatible music at all, I don't quite hear it. Nevermind, though, I fully endorse I Can't Go On, I'll Go On.