A Catchy Choral Refrain Holds Rixton's Broken Heart

You know how it goes when singers utter the chorus for what sounds like half a million times. By the time you're finished listening you question what it was about that song you found so hard to ignore in the first place. I've got good news and even better news for you. Since there's no downside to the equation I won't even ask which you'd rather have first. The good news is Manchester's very own Rixton brings the harmonies. Anybody wistful for chipper pop on the order of 'N Sync, Backstreet Boys or this decade's pin-up idols One Direction is going to be swept up in joy despite the fact that "Me and My Broken Heart" by virtue of title alone tells you the subject matter isn't vintage champagne sparkling. Jake Roche leads the bracing bunch in their take on the search for a little loving to ease the chill regardless of season. To his credit he makes heartache sound like less of a painful ordeal than a child slowly tearing off a Band-Aid. I'd chalk that up to how positive the orchestrations get when backup vocalists Charley Bagnall and Danny Wilkin sprinkle in lead guitar, bass, and keyboards. Lewi Morgan drums up upbeat enthusiasm to bolster Jake's heartstring motivated scavenger hunt instead of projecting himself as some poor waif who's hand every door imaginable slammed in his face with nothing extra to say. Returning to the chorus, although it's very easy to shout, "Oh come on! Not again!! Didn't he just sing that!" be aware that a little charm goes a long way and Jake gives off that glow in spades. All he needs is a little love in his life, a little love in the dark. He seeks to kickstart himself and his broken heart. He craves the touch only a woman can provide. Rixton can replace whatever spring in the step you've lost. I'd also like to plant the seed in your heads that Jake's natural elan allows said chorus to permeate the room. Studio buffing there is in spades but knob twisting only contributes so much to the end result. The rest has to come from an as yet pristine place. Scars haven't had time to form. The chase still has a self-explanatory value. The mixer earned stripes and ducats in equal measure. He's brought out the best for each band mate. Love gone sour can be all night bender subtle. Brixton goes the fleet of foot route. Jake knows what he wants and has enough left in the tank to hold out doggedly for a suitably warm body. You're sure to be rewarded for the three minutes and change you dedicated to this head turner. Love that is taking itself super seriously wears out its welcome too fast to be believed. "Me and My Broken Heart" carries the day thanks to the chorus that won't bore us. Not only that, it cleans up nicely.