Brokeback

Brokeback is the primary creative vehicle for Douglas McCombs, a central figure in the Chicago post-rock scene and longtime bassist for Tortoise and Eleventh Day Dream. Founded in the late 1990s, the project serves as a melodic counterpoint to the more rhythmic and structural complexity of Tortoise.

The sound identity is defined by McCombs' use of the Fender Bass VI, which allows him to bridge the gap between traditional bass roles and baritone guitar melodies. Throughout its evolution, the project has shifted from a solo-centric endeavor to a collaborative ensemble featuring key players from the Chicago Underground and Thrill Jockey orbits. Critically, Brokeback is often cited as a pioneer of 'pastoral post-rock,' moving away from urban industrial textures toward a sound influenced by Ennio Morricone, 1970s jazz fusion, and the vast landscapes of the American West. The project maintains a high degree of respect among musicians and collectors for its restraint and its ability to evoke specific geographic moods through minimalist means.