Broken Bells: The Indie Rock Supergroup

Broken Bells is an American indie rock collaboration formed by The Shins' frontman James Mercer and acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse. The duo's self-titled debut album, released in 2010, was a critical and commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and introducing their unique synth-infused sound to a wide audience.

Early Career

The project began in 2009 after Mercer and Burton were introduced by a mutual friend at a Danish music festival. Bonding over shared musical tastes that spanned 1960s pop and psychedelic rock, they quickly began writing and recording together in secret at Burton's Los Angeles studio. Their partnership was formally announced later that year, generating significant buzz within the indie music scene.

Breakthrough

Broken Bells' breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the release of their debut single The High Road and the subsequent self-titled album on Columbia Records. The record debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, selling over 31,000 copies in its first week, and was certified gold in Canada. Their meticulous, genre-blending approach established them as a serious artistic venture beyond a mere side project.

Key Tracks

The High Road - The lead single that defined their atmospheric sound, blending Mercer's melodic vocals with Burton's lush, rhythmic production.

October - A track showcasing their dynamic range, moving from a haunting, minimalist verse to a powerful, orchestral climax.

Holding On for Life - The lead single from their second album, noted for its Bee Gees-inspired falsetto and driving disco-rock groove.

After the Disco - The title track from their 2014 sophomore album, a perfect encapsulation of their melancholic yet danceable retro-futurist style.

The duo followed their debut with the album After the Disco in 2014, which also charted within the Billboard Top 40. After a lengthy hiatus, Broken Bells returned in 2022 with their third studio album, Into the Blue, reaffirming their chemistry and continued evolution within the alternative landscape.

Fans of Broken Bells' meticulously crafted indie rock often appreciate the melodic sensibilities of The Shins, James Mercer's primary band. The adventurous production style finds parallels in the work of Gorillaz, a project which also features Danger Mouse's influential touch. For a similar blend of electronic textures and rock songwriting, explore Arcade Fire or the collaborative spirit of The New Pornographers.

The music of Broken Bells, with its blend of indie rock melody and inventive production, continues to be featured across a variety of alternative and modern rock radio formats.

Listeners can explore the distinctive sound of Broken Bells through dedicated radio stations available on this platform.