The sophomore release from the collaborative duo of producer Brian Burton, a.k.a. Danger Mouse, and the mastermind behind The Shins, James Mercer, After the Disco lives up to expectations held by fans who eagerly awaited a follow up to the 2011 EP, Meyrin Fields. An aggressive promotional campaign following the October announcement of After the Disco‘s January 31^st release further raised expectations, with some critics doubting whether or not Mercer and Danger Mouse would successfully evolve their sound characterized by sliding synthesizer lines, primitive drum machines, and rock bass tones.
         The 11 psych-pop tracks comprising After the Disco are emotionally charged, ranging from a haunting plea for isolation (“Leave It Alone”), to more sanguine tracks such as the title track “After the Disco”. Danger Mouse plays most instruments featured on the album, resulting in rounded off timbres accented by Mercer’s minimalistic voice crooning insightful yet simple lyrics in the foreground. The Angel City String Orchestra of Los Angeles provided arrangements for six of the 11 songs on the album, “The Angel and the Fool” and “The Remains of Rock and Roll” exemplify the orchestra’s contribution to the record.
         Despite mixed reviews from critics, After the Disco has delighted the Broken Bells’ following. Broken Bells are currently touring in support of After the Disco; in addition to several sold-out shows the duo will headline music festivals such as Coachella, Sasquatch, and Governor’s Ball in New York City. Broken Bells will be performing at the Civic Theatre in New Orleans on March 12th.