At the end of 2008, The Broken Heartbreakers were awarded the Alternatui for Band of the Year 2008
Here is what judge Chris Walker had to say at the time…..
“The Broken Heartbreakers are a fantastic band. Their songwriting goes from strength to strength, theyre a great live act and theyre always out playing. They have a real sense of how to make each show seem special, they connect and care about their fans. And this year they released an outstanding self-titled album of touching and tender country-folk songs. Ive long been a fan but this year is the year that The Broken Heartbreakers have really hit their stride.”
And just in case you needed any more reason check these guys out, here is a sample of the album reviews they have received over the last 12 months:
Auckland-based band The Broken Heartbreakers will win more hearts than theyll crush with their self-titled sophomore effort. With quiet confidence, theyve turned out an 11 track gem that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to crafting perfectly formed country and folk-pop songs
4 & 1/2 stars
Otago Daily Times
With a sound which draws equally on the Left Banke, the Everly Brothers, Brian Wilson, Beatles and alt.country harmonies, and the Anglofolk tradition this Auckland group can hardly fail.
… intelligent, heartfelt, aching and entrancing. Wonderful album.
Best of Elsewhere 2007
Graham Reid www.elsewhere.co.nz
Ive seldom heard local singers attempt, let alone carry off, the kind of intimate duet thats central to The Broken Heartbreakers sound. The voices belong to John Guy Howell and Rachel Bailey and they go together like tequila and lemon, like Gram and Emmylou.
Its a gorgeous album The Broken Heartbreakers have made. Soft but with substance, sonically rich and beautifully performed.
Nick Bollinger, Radio New Zealand
Verdict: Stunning second album of feel good break-up songs.
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 dont break up you should have this beautifully understated, yet passionate and feelgood album around. Like the sun, its good for your soul.
4 stars.
NZ Herald
Tim Guy is originally from Melbourne but these days he calls Auckland, New Zealand home. Back in 2002 he met Bic Runga backstage after one of her gigs and gave her a demo tape of a few of his songs. Bic liked them so much she offered to produce his album and she ended up playing drums and guitar and lending her voice to the material as well. Tim played support for Bic on her Acoustic Churches tour that year, performing 25 shows to over 15,000 people.
Hummabyes is Tim’s second album and is a refreshing set of whimsical alt. country flavoured indie-pop songs chock full of charmingly hummable tunes. He recorded it at home with his flatmates, who just happen to be Anika Moa (bass, bvs) and Anna Coddington (drums, bvs).
The evening will be capped off by a DJ set from radio presenter and all-round funk legend Andy Flyboy. Andy is a well known vintage music collector/ DJ, spinning retro sets in genres such as go go, funk, exotica, lounge, swing, rock and roll and 80s, all over NZ.
This show promises to be a Valentines not to forget.
