The much talked about project between The Shins’ James Mercer and producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse, collectively known as Broken Bells, touched down in Chicago on Memorial Day, playing to a sold-out show at the intimate Vic Theatre. Playing their self-titled debut along with a few choice covers, Broken Bells dazzled the crowd for their hour-long set, displaying Mercer’s powerful voice and also the intricacies of their debut throughout their 7 member ensemble.
One of Broken Bells’ strengths is Mercer’s voice. It’s powerful and can punch through a wall whenever he wants it to, and that was on display Monday night. Mercer’s frontman skills have never really anything to write home about, which I think was actually a benefit at a Broken Bells show. You don’t have to worry about him jumping up and down off the monitors, or spinning in place, or whaling on a solo. Instead, you’re allowed to really explore the sound and really appreciate how every person on stage is working together to construct their sound. In a venue like the Vic, these intricacies can easily be noticed, for better or worse, from driving bass lines to tight rhythms, every part is easily discernible. For Broken Bells, it was definitely for the better. It was easy to experience the deep sounds of this album as they played every track during the set.
There was one thing that kinda threw me, and that was Danger Mouse himself. I never really took him as shy or anything. But during one song, he played the guitar with his back to the audience. And at times throughout the night, I felt he was going out of his way to not make eye contact with anyone. Then again, he’s used to producing, so even as part of Gnarls Barkley, maybe he’s not used to being front and center. Or perhaps he was more than happy with Mercer taking the lead.
The much buzzed about Morning Benders put on a pretty great opening set. In support of their latest release, “The Big Echo,” the foursome put together a tight 35 minute set as the crowd filtered into the Vic. Making 2 R. Kelly references during their banter, they reminded me of the first time I saw Vampire Weekend. There was a bit of awkwardness, but not in a shut the f up kinda way. I actually enjoyed the banter, which I typically never do from openers. And I was left with such a good impression I bought their disc when I got home. Kinda excited to see them at Lollapalooza in a few months.
Overall, it was a fantastic show. Definitely check these guys out if you have the chance.
Setlist
October
Your Head is on Fire
The Ghost Inside
Sailing to Nowhere
Crimson and Clover (Cover)
Trap Doors
Citizen
The High Road
Vaporize
Lullaby
Encore
You Really Got a Hold On Me (Cover)
Mongrel Heart
The Mall and Misery
PD
