CD of The Week

Indie sweetheart James Mercer (The Shins) and prolific producer Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse have released their second album as Broken Bells, After the Disco. The duo took a three-year hiatus and has returned with a sound that is familiar; and a bit more mature. “Holding On For Life” feels like the ‘70s revival that has been very present within the last year. On the heels of Daft Punk’s hit “Get Lucky,” Disco's first single will fit right in with the current vibe. Mercer’s falsetto voice reminds the listener of the Bee Gees, but the slow and dreamy production is all Danger Mouse. With an effortless transition, they step into the next decade with ‘80s twinking and experimentation of electronica on “The Changing Lights.” From there, they skip effortlessly through the ages.

“Medicine” has the bluesy White Stripes-ey guitar riff and then transitions into a more subtle Cure-like sound; the lyrics of pure sadness, and the typical floating voice of Mercer above it all. The lyrics tell you a story of someone struggling with their own personal demons, physically manifesting in self-harm: “It’s a wonder anyone can breathe you with a smoke too thick to cough/So we fallin’ as we run for cover from the bombs we’re setting off.” The lyrics throughout the album are tragic, while the music reaches towards the future with some sense of hope.

At times, you could be left wanting more intensity from the songs, that you might get from Danger Mouse’s other projects like Gnarls Barkley. Mercer’s writing style seems to be grabbing on the coattails of past musicians while tangled with Danger Mouse’s production. Sometimes Mercer’s voice is so smooth that you want an edgier beat (like in “No Matter What You’re Told”).

It seems as though Burton is the master producer of collaboration, and in this case, the collaboration with Mercer on their sophomore album doesn’t fail. Not perfect - but solid and fluid - and worth adding to your Danger Mouse 'Team-Up' collection. Broken Bells returns to Philly for a sold out show on Saturday, March 8th at the Trocadero.

Donate $20 or more to Y-Not Radio this week to receive a copy of After The Disco as our thank you gift. Click here for details.