Featured Artist: Broken Bells

Broken Bells may be a new group, but the band's duo of Danger Mouse and James Mercer (The Shins) are household favorites. This year's SXSW most talked about group, Broken Bells were on everyone's list of "must see." Unfortunately, SFCritic arrived too late (my story of SXSW) to see the group perform, but from what I was told--if you get the chance to see them, don't pass it up. The pop-psychedelic sound of their self-titled debut album has increasingly grown on me. The group's first single, "High Road" is the most adventurous, and my favorite, though the "Ghost Inside," and "Trap Doors" are not to be overlooked. Most of the album journeys between familiar Shins angst-indie-rock, and Danger Mouses' notable DJ Shadow-esque rock/hip hop beats. At this point, this is a SFCritic favorite for best new group of 2010. Check out more of their music at the group's website, here.