Broken Bells is an unlikely collaboration between The Shins front man James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse, aka Brian Burton. The Two come from opposite ends of the musical spectrum but have combined to great effect. The Album is available to hear through the bands myspace page and I’ve had it on loop all day. Littered with trademark Dangermouse beats, it oozes the intelligence you expect from his production and Mercer’s vocals play over the top brilliantly. Apparently Mercer moved into Burtons L.A. pad to make the album and the process was like a romance with the pair listening to records, going to the cinema and drinking in dive bars whilst talking about life – Pretty sweet to be a grown man and be able to make a living moving into your mate’s house, hanging out and making cool tunes. Sadly I missed the London gig at the ICA last night, although there’s bound to be a full tour soonish and hopefully they’ll pop up on this summer’s festival circuit. With a glowing review and a waping 9/10 from drowned in sound, Broken Bells look set to be big in this year’s game. Watch the video for the first single “The High Road” after the jump.