By TJ Ford
Arts Editor
Broken Bells’ music is not nearly as cacophonous as its name would entail. Rather, the band’s new album, “After the Disco,” is an emotional and serene addition to the alternative genre, and in no way is broken.
Comprised of only two members, Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer, who is also the lead vocalist for the indie rock band The Shins, Broken Bells came out with its self-titled first album in 2008, which was met with high praise. Several tracks from the album topped the charts, with the most notable being “The High Road” and “The Ghost Inside.” “After the Disco” is the band’s second album.
The album features an array of tracks with differing paces, making it constantly intriguing for the listener. From calm guitar strumming and slow melodic crooning, to faster pop-like songs, “After the Disco” is all but monotonous.
The album includes multiple standouts, including “Holding on for Life,” in which Mercer’s distinct, crooning vocals are impressive, a rarity considering his falsetto tone. Regardless, he is entrancing. Combined with the techno synth and sporadic guitar strumming, it stands out with a futuristic sound.
Other tracks on the album also showcase the prowess of Broken Bells in making irresistible music. Particularly, “Perfect World” stands out with its fluctuating beats. The song starts calm, but slowly builds with differing sounds, giving the track depth.
The well-used synth also adds to the ‘80s vibes that are carried on throughout the album. For instance, “Holding on for Life” features the same kind of vintage sounds in its futuristic tones and moderately high-pitched vocals. The homogeneity in the sounds creates distinctive themes and in turn brings the entire album together in a satisfying way.
Unlike “Perfect World,” the versatility of the album is also shown in its slower, more mellow tracks. For example, “Leave it Alone” is a formidable song despite its dark and serene undertones.
The ballad begins with simple guitar strumming and maintains the relaxed yet intense emotion throughout, due to Mercer’s vulnerable vocals and the lyrics themselves. They tell a tale of lost love, consequential heartbreak and ramifications. The personability and emotional ties throughout make the music more than just fun to listen to and are rather artistic expressions.
The track gives a taste of the distinct abilities of the duo – that it is able to produce and create crowd favorites, like “Holding on for Life,” which is catchy and light, as well as more meaningful and personal pieces that delve deeper than simple entertainment.
The entirety of the album holds variety in both lyrical content and general sounds – from simple ballads to quasi-pop hits. “After the Disco” is an absolute testament to Burton and Mercer’s raw talents as artists.
“After the Disco” was released on Feb. 4 and is available digitally and in retail for $9.99.
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