Seen and Not Seen: Breakers Broken

Seen and Not Seen is a weekly Saturday column that covers a band profile, album highlights, or song reviews for artists who have received either little or no attention. These artists featured are either unsigned, or are signed but are still primarily playing in their respective local scenes. The goal here is to promote musicians who fit this criteria in an attempt to give them the coverage they deserve.

Breakers Broken is a Chicago-based electronic rock trio. Comprised of brothers Tim (vocals, guitar) and Herf Yamaya (vocals, keys, bass), along with drummer Neal Wehman, the group formed in 2007 while attending the University of Miami-Florida. The band decided to come back to their hometown, where they have been touring heavily in support of their dance-rock style. The genre-labels "dance-rock" or "electronic rock," however, do not do their music justice. While those terms may apply directly to a band such as MGMT, who create catchy indie-dance hits, bands of this lineage do not always have the talent that Breakers Broken possesses. The trio's all-around musicianship shines abundantly through their work, in both their individual proficiencies, and in their tight, cohesive overall sound.

Their recently released Reset offers ample examples as to why Breakers Broken is a band to look out for in the near future. "Last Man on the Planet" leads off the release with a precise drum track locking in the song's beat, while an electronic ambient atmosphere hangs over the trio at every note. Breaking through all textures are the combination of very pop-based vocals, and guitarist Tim Yamaya's funk-filled riffs, providing lightning quick flashes to the songs phrases. "When She Needs Me" recalls a variety of influences, including a driving guitar reminiscent of Vampire Weekend's "A-Punk", and bits of Mute Math's drums, along with a chorus filled with unique, catchy, high-pitched harmonies.

Their aptly named instrumental track "The Climb" strongly showcases the trio's technical chops. Starting with a floating piano intro, the track builds up as Wehman's funky pocket drumming enters, along with synthesizers, a distorted guitar, and voice samples--all of which are layered in slowly but surely. About a minute into the song, the band kicks into full gear, and Tim's electric guitar teeters on the brink of shredding, going in full force, meticiulously building up to the point of chaos. The track reaches its climax without ever losing its textured nuisances. Soon after the pinnacle, the momentum slowly winds down, fading into silence just as the track started.

"Fools and Gold" is their most accessible song on Reset. The mid-tempo rocker is backed by a drum sound circa 1985, with lead vocals standing out as they provide a reflective and insightful commentary. While the guitar and keys are present at times, they primarily provide a coloring accompaniment on the track. The song slowly fades and echoes out near its end, bringing a close to an EP that offers a wide variety of influences, that are both obvious and perfectly placed amongst each other.

Reset is now currently available on iTunes. Please be sure to support Breakers Broken by purchasing their album.

Check out the selected samples below: "Last Man on the Planet," "When She Needs Me," "The Climb," and "Fools and Gold."