A new sound, seemingly out of the blue, became inescapable to me just a couple of months ago. Every time I heard a song and thought to myself “hey that was pretty good…” it turned out to be them. It all became clear when a DJ on KEXP explained this phenomenon for me: Broken Bells is a new collaborative project formed by James Mercer, lead singer of the Shins, and Brian Burton – better known as DJ Dangermouse. I have a lot of respect for both of these artists - and it appears that I’m not the only one. Broken Bells sold out The Showbox at the Market, one of Seattle’s larger venues, long before the show on Tuesday evening.
A substantial but not overwhelming line formed around the corner of the Showbox, with fans waiting patiently in the Seattle rain. Observing the audience forming inside, a couple of things struck me as out of the ordinary. The age group seemed to stray from the usual 18-25 crowd, with a great range of fans who looked either underage or old enough to be their moms and dads. For the most part, the kids were forming groups in front of the stage, and the farther back sections of the venue were filling to the brim with those seeking adult refreshments to complement their concert-going experience.
Even the members of the opening band, The Morning Benders, appeared to be underage. Any initial doubts about how talented an act this youthful could be faded immediately with their first song. They were smart to open with pieces that showcased their instrumental abilities, and the audience cheered them on enthusiastically. They proved that they had great stage presence, but would that be enough to make anyone remember them in a month’s time? The second half of the set, which became increasingly 50s-pop-inspired, answered this question with an emphatic “yes.” The added harmonies and sugary lyrics conjured up images in my mind of the Beatles, and who could ask for a better comparison? Mercer would later announce on stage that they are the Morning Benders’ biggest fans.
The general standing room became increasingly dense as Broken Bells prepared to take the stage. To the crowd’s delight, not two but seven musicians took the stage, in front of funky geometric shapes projected on a backdrop. They tore right into the tunes, with little introduction or stage banter between songs. While Mercer’s voice was distinctly familiar, I found his lower range to be even more enjoyable than what I had been accustomed to hearing in the Shins. The lovable strain he previously used was replaced by a more mature, polished sound. Band members, particularly Burton, who was primarily on drums, alternated instruments throughout the evening. With both consistency and variety, they accurately portrayed themselves as the musical veterans that everyone had expected to see. Just as I had hoped, Burton and Mercer’s yin-and-yang relationship kept the music fresh. I especially enjoyed the keyboard-driven “Sailing to Nowhere” and their beautiful interpretation of “Crimson and Clover.” Perhaps these highlights should have been saved for the encore, which was somewhat of a letdown in comparison to the energy that they had built up in the main set.
Both of the masterminds behind Broken Bells were doing well with their previous musical endeavors. However, this new melding of sounds has allowed each of them to break out of their specific niches, which accounts for the wide audience they were able to draw to the sold-out show. Now that they have proven themselves, the creative possibilities are endless. I am curious to see if their success will inspire other seemingly different artists to team up in the near future.
DOWNLOAD: Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside (MP3) or Follow us for more Broken Bells MP3s (Twitter)
The National - 9/11
Marymoor Ampitheatre
The Black Keys - 10/2
The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene - 10/10
Neumos
Broken Social Scene - 10/15
The Paramount Theatre
It was a great show. The energy was intense. I was lucky enough to be right up front.
by Burt on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 05.01 pm from the entry: The Avett Brothers + Langhorne Slim - Crystal Ballroom (Portland-town, OR; Aug. 30, 2010)
lovin trackz #4,13, and 16
by Phoxy Philly on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 04.03 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Nice concerning as better as clarifying position.Gives Thanks for providing for us.I show your article with my delight.
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by jhon on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 02.35 pm from the entry: Tiny Vipers + Rafael Anton Irisarri + Cars & Trains - Mississippi Studios (Portland; Jul. 14, 2010)
agree with beth! dope stuff on both sides of the review.
by @bosconcertphoto on Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Thanks Nicole!
Just wanted to say that although this may be our last time performing this show, I have many other projects in the works. Info and show schedule is on my website.
- Ben
by Ben Darwish on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 11.47 pm from the entry: Ben Darwish - Afrobeat Tribute to Michael Jackson - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; August, 29, 2010)
Love these photos and review. So, these DJ sets are at 7:30? I don’t really get it. And are these gonna continue once the Whitney moves? And most importantly, where can I attend an “hour-long clinic on shaking ass?”
by beth on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 06.44 pm from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Super post there! Comprehensive and well collated material. Thanks for sharing.
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by jhon on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 01.56 pm from the entry: Deerhoof + The Donkeys + Southeast Engine - Berbati's Pan (Portland, OR; July 6, 2010)
well covered Katie! Those Benders are everywhere right now! Top 3 melophobe crush, behind Metric and Freelance Whales?
saw Broken Bells at the Portland show and thought they sucked. Besides “The High Road” and “Ghost Inside” I just couldn’t bring myself to care. It was so boring, which I was totally bummed about since I really enjoyed the album. All in all, Morning Benders blew them out the water. They were great!