When the Shins' James Mercer and Brian "DJ Danger Mouse" Burton joined forces for the first Broken Bells record, no one expected much to eventuate.
But what we got was much greater than the sum of its parts: Full of dainty melodies, off-kilter hooks, subtle electro blueprints and Mercer's everymanauthenticity, their 2010 debut became an unlikely contender for album of the year.
After the Disco is likely to do the same kind of business. It takes Broken Bells' template and adds lush orchestral arrangements, soaring string sections and even a bonkers horn breakdown on the warped psychedelia of No Matter What You're Told, with excellent effect.
Mostly, that means After the Disco is a more mellow, contemplative affair that needs multiple listens to unravel its layers.
Check out Mercer's reflective vocals on The Changing Lights, the cruisy rush of Control, the gentle strumming of Lazy Wonderland, and the soothing whistle that guides ballad The Angel and the Fool to a close.
But it's Medicine's wry riff on 80s pop - complete with "ooh oohs" and "ahh haahs" - that really seals the deal: Broken Bells are a side-project no more.
If you didn't before, it's time you sat up and took notice.
