After the Disco [Bonus Track]

by Broken Bells

Overview

At times, Broken Bells' self-titled debut was so hazy that it felt like it was about to dissipate in a cloud of wry West Coast melancholy, but on After the Disco, James Mercer and Brian Burton give that atmosphere a little more form. Building on previous highlights like "The Ghost Inside" and "The High Road," the pair dive deeper into their synth pop, new wave, and disco fascinations to soundtrack songs that, as the album title suggests, are filled with comedowns and disappointments. Former single and standout track "Holding on for Life" uses its slow-motion disco beat and eerie keyboards to underscore the emptiness lurking in lyrics like "what a lovely day to be lonely," cultivating a mood that falls somewhere between desperate and glamorous. As always in Broken Bells' world, there's a fine line between bittersweet and bummed out; while these aren't the easiest moods to make appealing, Burton and Mercer succeed when they bring some energy to the proceedings. "Medicine" bolsters its contemplative sighs with spiky, percussive pop that recalls Gotye, while "No Matter What You're Told" gives some brassy bite to its blase cynicism. Here and on songs like "Lazy Wonderland," which sells the merits of watching the wheels go round and round with some alluring major-minor chord changes, After the Disco feels like a much more organic and satisfying blend of Mercer and Burton's respective strengths than Broken Bells did. However, the duo still sometimes border on being too tasteful, and much of the album's pleasure comes from appreciating flourishes like the flute-like keys on "Leave It Alone" and the update of smoky '70s soft rock on "The Angel and the Fool" rather than the songs' actual sentiments; even the title of the closing track, "The Remains of Rock & Roll," suggests that passion doesn't have much of a place here. Given Burton and Mercer's pedigrees, it's hard not to want more from Broken Bells, but After the Disco's strongest moments suggest that their music is coming into focus. [After the Disco was also released with a bonus track.] ~ Heather Phares

Product Details

Release Date:	02/04/2014
Label:	Columbia
UPC:	0888837716123
Rank:	68268

Tracks

1. Perfect World
2. After the Disco
3. Holding on for Life
4. Leave It Alone
5. The Changing Lights
6. Control
7. Lazy Wonderland
8. Medicine
9. No Matter What You're Told
10. The Angel and the Fool
11. The Remains of Rock & Roll

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Broken Bells   Primary Artist
Adrianna Zoppo   Viola
Brianna Bandy   Viola
Julie Beavers   Violin
Myla Balugay   Vocals (Background)
The Angel City String Orchestra   Strings
Stefanie Fife   Celli
Z Berg   Vocals (Background)
Carolyn Osborn   Violin
Brian Burton   Bass,Drums,Organ,Piano,Guitar,Percussion,Synthesizer
Susan Chatman   Violin
Jennifer Walton   Violin
Daniele Luppi   String Conductor
Peter Kent   Violin
Kamasi Washington   Sax (Tenor)
James Mercer   Bass,Organ,Guitar,Vocals,Percussion,Synthesizer
David Ralicke   Trombone
Becky Stark   Vocals (Background)
Jessica van Velzen   Viola
Shari Zippert   Violin
Nathaniel Walcott   Trumpet
Heather Porcaro   Vocals (Background)
Erika Walczak   Violin
Vladimir Polimatidi   Violin
Norm Hughes   Violin
Vanessa Freebairn-Smith   Celli
Alisha Bauer   Celli
Sharon Jackson   Violin
Judy Yoo   Violin

Technical Credits

Geoff Neal   Mixing Assistant
Jacob Dennis   Assistant Engineer,Mixing Assistant
Anton Riehl   Score Preparation
Chris Kahn   Mixing Assistant,Assistant Engineer
Stephen Marcussen   Mastering
Jeff Peters   String Engineer
Brian Burton   Composer
Danger Mouse   Producer,Programming
Daniele Luppi   String Arrangements
James Mercer   Composer
Todd Monfalcone   Engineer
Ken Takahashi   Mixing,Engineer,Programming
Chris Tedesco   Orchestra Contractor
Jacob Escobedo   Design,Artwork
Laura Sisk   Second Engineer