This EP marks a step forward for this band. It sounds more like an initial project than a sophomore effort because, in its own right, it is so raw. The album drifts farther into the world of electronics and synthesizers than anything Mercer has done in the past. Missing is the pop-folk rock underpinnings. The quick, electronic beat with a blend of clean and distorted sounds can easily be compared to Danger Mouses other projects, but as soon as Mercers trademark vocals enter the mix, the resulting sound is undeniably their own. The following track, Windows, begins with a beat that sounds like it could have been ripped out of a spy movie, but a self-harmonized Mercer, frequently showing off his impressive range, takes the song in a different direction. The unusually unpolished track has a bit more of a funk feel to it than much of Broken Bells debut which is our first glimpse of a move from their electronic pop sound with smooth edges. An Easy Life, the third track on the EP, was previously released with the iTunes version of their debut so the track serves as less of a progression than Windows, but it will likely be a favorite of this EP for many fans. With a bit of a tropical theme to the beat, Danger Mouse takes the relaxed mood of the track and adds his own electronic spin. Mercers vocals are given more sonic treatment on this track as well which may become the norm if the duo continue to release material, but only time will tell. Meyrin Fields closes with Heartless Empire which sounds more like The Shins than anything else Broken Bells have done up until this point, but the distorted backing instrumentation keeps Hearless Empire from falling too far into The Shins standard formula. A consistent fuzz that only lets up for the final note of the song is unique among any of Burton or Mercers past projects. With members of The Shins in question and Cee Lo Green doing just fine on his own without Danger Mouse, its possible Broken Bells could become far more than just a side-project for either member. Meyrin Fields is not as extraordinary as Broken Bells debut, but if the EP serves to start the bands experimental shift before a new full-length album, then listeners have much to look forward to in the years to come. vinylrecords.ca/broken-bells-meyrin-fields-danger-mouse-shins-indie-space-rock-p-17108.html
Posted on: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 00:15:53 +0000