Special Guest:
Broken Spokes
Oliver Penn
“There have been a number of releases this year that undoubtedly are worthy of the ‘hard-core country’ label accreditation. Houston’s The Broken Spokes are one such band and this album, WHERE I WENT WRONG, is testament to that. The album is a mix of classic honky tonk songs and tailored originals that recall BR5-49 or Red Meat at their best. Perhaps The Broken Spokes should consider the subtitle of the next album to be “Where We Went Right”, because this album is an affirmation of doing everything right.” LonesomeHighway.com (FULL REVIEW)
Congratulations, you have just stumbled upon your next favorite country band. The Broken Spokes are a beloved Texas traditional country outfit with a name synonymous with country due to the famous Austin honky tonk. Having focused on live shows, as opposed to aspiring for some sort of national attention, The Broken Spokes might just be the best band you’ve never heard of. They’re looking to change that with their new album Where I Went Wrong and the country music world, in Texas and beyond, is taking notice.
There’s magic in how they embrace the true roots of country music, interpreting them in the modern context with such love and passion that makes the music feel more palpable and alive than with most other country bands. You can tell right away this is a well-seasoned outfit that’s put in the time honing their craft in honky tonks across Texas, perfectly illustrating the beauty of the music to the audience in a way that feels vital. The Broken Spokes are the textbook definition of what country music is in its purest form.
“This album is so damn good. If you needed to select a country music album to shoot into outer space to represent country music to other civilizations, Where I Went Wrong would not be a bad candidate. It’s that virtuous, that country, and truly flawless in its execution. Everything here is *chef kiss* excellent cover to cover. If you need an audio representation of the textbook definition of what country music actually is in its purest form, Where I Went Wrong would totally work. It’s a classic and traditional country album, but so dripping with present-day appeal from the passion brought to the music and the sincerity with which it’s delivered, it doesn’t feel dated at all. This album is beaming with enjoyment.” Saving Country Music (Two Guns Up 9/10) (FULL REVIEW)
“While there might have been a plethora of bands of this ilk 20 years ago, they would’ve found it hard to better this outfit. The Broken Spokes have the chops, knowledge, and the original tunes, but if anything, it’s the constant presence of the fiddle and steel in their makeup that ensures their honky tonk rises above. Love’ em.” Country Music People Magazine (5/5 Stars)
“There’s something transcendent about front man Brent McLennan’s clear tenor twang and off-handedly detailed songwriting approach riding atop the timeless honky-tonk chops of his bandmates. It’s a bit like if Bruce Robison borrowed Wayne “The Train” Hancock’s band to rub some pilsner-soaked sawdust on his studied song craft” Lone Star Music Magazine
“Best Band For Drinking: The Broken Spokes are one of Houston’s busier country acts and the shows they play routinely have something in common – booze. Whether they’re playing a honky tonk like Whiskey River, big festivals like the ZiegenBock Music Fest, or a dancehall like the one in Gruene, there is going to be some drinking involved. The Spokes gamely match the action in these establishments with the perfect soundtrack for beer guzzlin’ and whiskey shootin’. These guys are all very gifted players who’ve previously pieced together a Houston Press – Album of the Year nominee and regularly draw kudos from fellow Houston music folks, like Nick Gaitan and Vinyl Ranch. They can call up a vibe to fit the mood and if the mood calls for a drink or two, they’re the band for the job.” The Houston Press (ARTICLE)
🎟️ Want More?
Check out our friends at Splice Records for more killer events—like the River Revival Festival coming up in New Braunfels, TX. It’s a full weekend of music, camping, and floating the Guadalupe with your crew. Doesn’t get much better than that.
🚣♂️ Camp. Float. Jam. Repeat.
[Click here for all the details on River Revival]
And while you're here, set the vibe with the Dan Electro’s Playlist—your pregame, post-show, anytime soundtrack.
[🎧 Listen now.]