The Broken West

Calling this the Broken West's debut is a bit of a misnomer, since the group debuted under the copyright-infringing moniker of the Brokedown with the 2004 EP Dutchman's Gold. The band's first full-length infuses roots grit and power pop with vigor, injecting sturdy, intuitive melodies with enough arching harmony and well-structured choruses to bring to mind vintage Westerberg. The delightfully grand, hook-heavy songs pile up; standouts include "So It Goes," "Big City" and "Down in the Valley."