The first album from Broken Bells, a collaboration of Shins frontman, James Mercer and producer/multi-instrumentalist Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton, is a fun and groovy record sure to satisfy most fans of either artist’s past works. I liken it to a Shins 2.0, as Mercer’s pop-folk vocals and guitar are reborn with surrounding layers of synthesizer and digital beats. However I find these songs a little more enjoyable than the uppity whining you occasionally come across on Shins records. I wouldn’t call it “darker” but there is a subtle feeling of doom hiding beneath several tracks. The duo is careful not to take it too “Postal Service” and go all beep-bop on ya, instead choosing to create well-crafted songs with tight beats and quirky rhythms that get stuck in your head. Throw in a strings arrangement and some trumpets every now and then and call it a day. Each of the 10 songs fit nicely and the album has great replay value. This is the funky, synth-heavy, indie electronica-inspired “but not-a-pop album” MGMT’s Congratulations should have been.

Below is the video for “The High Road”, the first single off the album.

The High Road

Broken Bells | MySpace Music Videos