Preview: Broken Records

Broken Records have quietly been making a name for themselves this past year. Their unique brand of folk rock has won them many admirers, and led to them playing far and wide across the UK. Having supported bands including Idlewild, Editors, and The Twilight Sad, Broken Records are now selling out gigs in their own name. The queues to see their debut show in London in April stretched twice around the block. There's likely to be a similar sight when they play the Liquid Room on Sunday; gigs in their home town tend to sell out rather quickly.

Their success is not built upon unfounded NME-style hype however. This is a band whose growing reputation is down to old-fashioned word of mouth endorsements, the type of which, as any ad executive will tell you, money can't buy.

Formed in late 2004, Broken Records make extensive use of traditional instruments in their music, be it fiddle, accordion or piano. Their songs are dark laments to lost love, which have led comparisons to Nick Cave and even The Waterboys. New single 'The Slow Parade' follows in this vein, a bitter sweet tale of windswept waterfronts, driven by an infectious lilting piano part. Until details finally emerge regarding the release of their long awaited debut album, fans will have to make do with this fine single and the spectacle of their live performances. They do say patience is a virtue.

Broken Records play the Liquid Room on Sunday August 17th. Tickets £10