In arguably the best ever preview of an upcoming album, power duo Broken Bells (James Mercer, Danger Mouse) have an emotionally potent film vignette on their hands.
After Mercer re-did The Shins and Danger Mouse flirted with another collaboration, the two will release After the Disco in January of 2014, following up their wildly successful self-titled debut in 2010.
Released in two parts (so far), Broken Bells' mini-film begins with Angel and the Fool, a seven and a half minute video filled with emotional connecting points. Broken Bells' music serves as the score for themes like loneliness, love, wonder and uncertainty all while Oliver— played by Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Star Trek: Into Darkness)— explores an alien planet after discovering Helen— played by Kate Mara (House of Cards, Entourage)— the space-traveling woman of his dreams.
In part two, Holding on For Life, Mercer and Danger Mouse add a little comedy as galactic disco club bouncers, before the two central characters are plunged into a disarray of hallucinations and confusion that seem to drive home the point that either taking too long to make a decision or not waiting long enough before acting can both be equally damaging to happiness. Also perhaps that people do dumb things on drugs.
Of course, that's just one way to look at this beautiful and intriguing film.
Full screen viewing recommended.
The first single from the upcoming album can also be listened to on Spotify.
