Broken Bells

[Holmes]

Broken Bells are James Mercer (the Shins' vocalist and guitarist) and Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton (1/2 of Gnarls Barkley and successful producer).

Praise for their self-titled debut album:

"A sweet’n’sour and head-spinningly trippy set from Messrs Mercer and Burton. Mercer’s gently off-beam pop songs are lit up colourfully by the duo’s choice of arrangements."
-- BBC

"What makes Broken Bells such a compelling body of work is undeniably the result of the broad range of sounds that fill its palette. Although there are instances whereby each of the two conspirators come to the forefront, at no point does this sound like a Shins record with beats or a hip hop record with guitars. Furthermore, with another ten songs already written and ready to go in the not-too-distant future, Broken Bells look set to be here for the long haul, and with such high standards set by their opening gambit, we can but wait patiently in anticipation for the next installment."
-- Drowned in Sound

"Burton builds layered, twilit soundscapes for Mercer's pensive musings; these songs are the stuff of cloudy days and sleepless nights, and that's okay."
-- Entertainment Weekly

"Mercer's knack for twisting and turning melodies is impeccably served by Burton, who tempers and fulfills those melodies with laid-back but elaborate scores of synth, piano, organ and sometimes a full string section, the only instruments not played by Burton or Mercer. It gives the work a thrilling edge -- one that the pair can soar off of for next time."
-- Los Angeles Times



"The High Road" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWBG1j_flrg

"The Ghost Inside" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVxTsXRjNTw

"The Mall & Misery" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPc0ivhgTmI

I love this project. Mercer and Danger Mouse were not an expected duo, but the music they have made together is atmospheric, beautiful, etc. I saw them live (they have an expanded band on tour) and had an amazing time.