MUSIC REVIEWS

unWIRED Rating:

Broken Bells

The first time I listened to this album I couldn’t decide what genre it fell into — it felt like a mix of so many different sounds all weaved smoothly together. At once I recognize the folksy voice of the vocalist and automatically think “acoustic folk,” but then I hear the jazzy undertones and orchestra bridges that give it an entirely different feel (a bluesy yet choir-like sound) and I don’t know what to think.

The two-man band calls itself Broken Bells and is made up of artist-producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) and James Mercer, the lead vocalist and guitarist of indie rock band The Shins. The project was first announced in late September 2009.

This brand new self-titled album (due to hit stores March 9th) is, in a word, mellow. “Trap Doors,” in particular, made me feel like I was the basement from That 70’s Show. The track even has an echo effect added to it that makes the lyrics almost fade in and out of the song, while Mercer’s stylistically monotonous voice gives it a slow and steady tempo.

“Mongrel Heart,” on the other hand, features a minute-long interlude that combines an orchestra background led by a bass solo and accompanied by a Spanish-sounding trumpet, bringing the listener into the opening theme song to a dramatic traditional duel.

My favorite track on the album, “The Mall and Misery,” opens with a ballad-like melody that reminds me of Chinese love songs, then it somehow segues into a quick high-hat/tambourine percussion with an upbeat guitar riff characteristic of The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand.

If you’re looking for something to vigorously rock out to, something to wake you up and make you want to jump up and run — then, well, this isn’t the album for you. But if you want a chill soundtrack to walk you through your day, take you on a stroll through the park, or just calm you down after a long night’s work, then let these Broken Bells ring.

—Stephanie Trinh