Broken Bells Return to Intergalactic Disco on ‘It’s That Talk Again’

Broken Bells have shared a surprise new song, “It’s That Talk Again,” ahead of the premiere of of their concert film, Live at the Orpheum, airing Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on Palladia.

The previously unreleased “It’s That Talk Again” was recorded during the sessions for Broken Bells’ 2014 LP, After the Disco, and finds frontman James Mercer and Danger Mouse further exploring that album’s intergalactic dance floor vibe. Mercer’s vocals are often airy and delicate, complementing the song’s lithe, wafting synths; but the Shins frontman pushes towards the peak of his upper register as Danger Mouse’s propulsive disco beat and bounding elastic bass intensify.

After the Disco arrived four years after Broken Bells’ self-titled debut, which was followed by an EP, Meyrin Fields, in 2011. The group spent much of last year touring in support of After the Disco, including festival sets at Coachella, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza. Their new concert film, Live at the Orpheum, captures the group’s October 24th show at the famed Los Angeles venue at the end of their extensive trek.

Since the pair left the road, Danger Mouse — real name Brian Burton — announced his new Columbia Records imprint, 30th Century Records. Burton signed experimental trio Autolux as his first act, and the label is currently prepping the follow-up to the band’s 2010 album, Transit Transit.

As for his own production work, Danger Mouse has reportedly been in the studio with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Adele. As Alternative Nation reported in February, Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith tweeted, then deleted, “Bout to start recording. Danger mouse producing … Let’s hang soon.”

Meanwhile, Billboard reported in mid-August that Burton was working with Adele on her highly-anticipated, long-awaited third LP, though it was not guaranteed his contributions would make the final cut.