In a time filled with side-projects, super groups, and power bands, James Mercer and Danger Mouse fight back with a legit new duo. Don't get it twisted.
Broken Bells has been in the making for the past 5 years or so. Finally arrived and heard, one can see why Broken Bells should not be referred to as a side project, super duo, or whatever other label people want to put on them. Yes, it is a collaboration, in the sense of the word's central meaning. You can feel that this album has the essence that are true to Mercer, singer/guitarist of The Shins, and Burton (Danger Mouse); but it is not a hip hop album with folky guitars and indie melodies, and it is not an indie album with hip hop beats.
Taking a more popier route mixed with pretty synths, the album kicks off with 'The High Road' charged with a steady beat and an inviting melody courtesy of Mercer. 'Sailing to Nowhere' incorporates a more vintage vibe with a pinch of hopeful melancholy, best suited for a rainy day. While 'Citizen' has a Bowie vibe, if Bowie created a spacey lullaby. All the other songs, basically follow a similar scheme consisting of dreamy synths and keyboards backing up Mercer's guitar and melody, driven by a steady beat.
Broken Bells has achieved a sound that is true to Broken Bells. If you didn't know who was behind the sound, you would probably assume that it's a new band. Perhaps the only setback is that while they were able get away from presumed labels, they didn't reach anything greater. No true classic genius is proven, but that's ok. Other people have been salivating over Broken Bells, but I think that it's just the allure of Danger Mouse and James Mercer working together. The album is only ten tracks long, and runs in a little bit over a half hour, making it short but sweet.
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