The Broken Heartbreakers Share New Album 'Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving'

An Aotearoa songcrafting duo who've travelled at their own speed for much of the 21st century, Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving is the first new studio record in over a decade from The Broken Heartbreakers, out today (naturally) via Slow Time Records, the boutique imprint run by Nadia Reid. Adorned with elegant minimal cover graphics by fellow long-term Ōtepoti resident Dudley Benson, Rachel Bailey and John Howell's fifth album finds them moving fluidly through folk / alt country-adjacent tones and textures like a gently cycling kaleidoscope — joined by a small cast of guest instrumentalists, along with the James St Community Choir on southern gothic protest ballad 'Dangerous Age'.

Highlights amidst a strong bunch include the bittersweet yet ultimately blissful folk-pop harmonies of 'What Is For You' ("It's about being in the moment") and the subtle injection of trip-hop electronica in the dramatic 'Matthew (Your Whites Are So White!)'. They shift gears from contemplative strum to upbeat warm jangle (with a touch of wry southern humour) in 'Count Us In', the rustic dream-pop of 'An Ocean In the Way' is energised by fiery guitar skronk recalling The Renderers, and the shoegazey title track mantra is a fitting locked groove closer.

Recorded by the pair with co-producer Nick Roughan, each song on Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving is carefully considered and made to last. Dive into their shared universe and go catch The Broken Heartbreakers on tour this September...

The Broken Heartbreakers
Aotearoa / NZ Tour Dates

Friday 4th September - Grainstore Gallery, Ōamaru
Saturday 5th September - Space Academy, Christchurch
Thursday 10th September - Whammy!, Auckland
Friday 11th September - Artworks Theatre, Waiheke
Saturday 12th September - Vogelmorn Bowling Club, Wellington
Saturday 19th September - Hanover Hall, Dunedin

Tickets on sale from undertheradar.co.nz

'Imagine If We Could Just Keep Driving' is out today on major streaming platforms via Slow Time Records.