We start things out on "Perfect World" a sprawling, synth heavy, 6 and a half minute opus that puts in the right frame of mind with James Mercer's comforting vocal presence adding a feeling of warmth with Danger Mouse coming up right behind to deliver the goods on this intricate and experimental track that showcases the magic that the two have conjured up together. The title track is a more upbeat and dance ready affair that has elements of dark imagery attached to it that is representative of the album's mission to deliver an otherworldly affair that breaks the plain across the musical fabric of space and manages to find a conduit directly into the path of the prospective listener with remarkable accuracy and precision. My favorite song off the disc is the first single, "Holding On For Life" Starting out with a lush acoustic arrangement, the song reaches new heights with James's vocal abilities stretching out into Barry Gibb territory and blowing it right out of the park almost on contact and is the definitive highlight for an outstanding and well told effort heard here so far. "The Changing Lights" is a frenetic, fast paced tune that features a bey of synth heavy arrangements and Danger Mouse's expertise behind the helm gives the album much depth and sophistication that makes it stand out immensely from other similar albums within the same genre. "Control" demonstrates much more of that same mentioned depth and gets us ready for the second half of the album just waiting in the wings with plenty more to be discovered.
The second half commences with "Medicine" a melodic, instrumental affair that features some light tambourine and other assorted percussion arrangements heard in the background that give the track a distinct flavor and aura that is vastly different from the other songs we've heard in succession, but showcases the duo's ability to branch out into other areas to give it some musical dexterity in the process. The album gets ready to close up for the night with "The Angel and The Fool" a somber, melancholy affair with James' vocals ushering in a feeling of closure and brings about a feeling of comfort and companionship as we get ready to close out the album in grand fashion. The album ends with "The Remains of Rock and Roll" an acoustic styled affair that gradually grows over time into a symphonic chorus that has a different feel from the prior musical arrangements, but does a terrific job of tying up the loose ends and getting everything ready as we send this album off into the sunset and into the arms of prospective listeners ready to fawn over. I was amazed when James Mercer and Danger Mouse first announced they were teaming up for a project, and my jaw totally dropped when they released their debut and was amazed that two extremely talented and creative people who came from different musical backgrounds, were able to team up and form a musical friendship and bond that goes well beyond the wide spectrum and presents music in a fashion that has never before been drawn up on a blueprint.
All in, a fantastic second effort from Broken Bells, and shows that the musical partnership of James and Danger is at full strength and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. One of the more undiscovered musical treasures you'll find so far this year.
Album Score: 4/5
Track Listing:
- Perfect World
- After The Disco
- Holding On For Life
- Leave It Alone
- The Changing Lights
- Control
- Lazy Wonderland
- Medicine
- No Matter What You're Told
- The Angel and the Fool
- The Remains of Rock and Roll
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