Broken Bells - Into The Blue Apr 2026

: James Mercer took a more active role in the rhythm section, playing bass on almost every song on the record. Musical Style & Influences

: Tracks like "One Night" and "Fade Away" have been compared to the work of Pet Shop Boys , Duran Duran , and Phil Collins .

: The album features some of the oldest tracks in the band's history. For instance, "Invisible Exit" dates back to their first tour in 2010. Broken Bells - Into The Blue

: For the first time in their discography, the duo integrated samples into their orchestral pop sound. They often swapped Burton’s typical crystalline drum sounds for more "homespun" loops.

Released in October 2022, marked the return of the duo Broken Bells —comprised of James Mercer (The Shins) and Brian Burton (Danger Mouse)—after an eight-year hiatus . Unique Production & Creative Approach : James Mercer took a more active role

The album is a "meticulous genre-mash" that blends several decades of music history:

: The title track and "Saturdays" draw heavily from The Beatles , The Beach Boys , and ELO . For instance, "Invisible Exit" dates back to their

: Songs such as "The Chase" and "Forgotten Boy" explore moodier territory, with influences ranging from The Cure to trip-hop . Thematic Content