"T Bird & The Breaks Roar Back with Explosive Self-Titled Album, Reviving Their Signature “Chunk” Sound"

(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning

After a decade long hiatus that left fans craving more of the funky grooves, Austin’s own T Bird & The Breaks have returned with a powerful new self-titled album, released on March 3, 2026. The record marks a comeback for the band known for blending funk, soul, hip-hop, and rock ’n’ roll into what they famously call “chunk” music. This is a raw, energetic, and visceral style that hits hard and never lets up.

Frontman Tim “T-Bird” Crane, along with core members including rhythm guitarist Sammy P. (Sam Patlove), delivers a fresh collection of tracks that honor the band’s roots while pushing their sound forward. The album features nine dynamic songs, including the organ-driven blues chugger “Let It Ride” and the fiery “Devil’s”. Fans of their earlier hits like “Blackberry Brandy,” “I Get’s My Boogie On,” and “Two Tone Cadillac” will find the same sweaty, horn-fueled pockets and soulful swagger that made the band a staple of the Texas music scene.

If you’re new to this Texas act, let me fill you in on the band. Formed in 2007, T Bird & The Breaks quickly became one of Austin’s most exciting live acts with their big, funky band sound, taking the stage complete with horns, swinging backup vocals, and a rhythm section that locks in and moves the room. Their previous releases, including Learn About It (2009), Never Get Out of This Funk Alive (2011), and Harmonizm (2015), earned them a devoted following and festival appearances. The band stepped away in 2016 for an indefinite hiatus, during which Crane stayed active, collaborating with acts like JJ Grey and kept busy in the studio world and as Jank Sinatra, while teasing new material in recent years.

This self-titled release arrives just after recent singles like “GTFUOMB” and builds on the collaborative spirit seen in the 2023 Greyhounds project Greybird. We could feel something building, however we had no idea that we would get a new album. The new album is available now on all major streaming platforms, with vinyl editions expected to follow.

“T Bird & The Breaks are back to remind everyone what real chunk music feels like —rough, rowdy, and full of life,” said Crane. “We poured everything into these songs, and we can’t wait to bring them to the stage.”

The band is expected to announce live dates soon, bringing to the stage, the same energy and performances that once packed venues. We will keep you updated on tour dates when they are released and keep our eyes on the return of T Bird. That does it for this report, thank you for reading, don’t forget to share the stories and stay tuned for what’s next!

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Written By: Cody Denning

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