James Mercer of The Shins and Danger Mouse’s collaboration, the astro-rock band Broken Bells, blew listeners away with their self-titled debut last year. Their new EP, “Meyrin Fields,” is barely enough to tide fans over until another full-length album drops, as this four-track EP plateaus fast.

Spiked with synths bubbling over with energy, the title track succeeds as a promising beginning. The background vocals add a pleasantly unexpected eeriness.

In “Windows,” Mercer’s voice rockets into a falsetto hook. The verses, however, remain static.

“An Easy Life” is a funk-influenced jam with breezy vocals. Yet, the track lacks a definite crescendo. Echoing vocals float over a smoky guitar in “Heartless Empire,” but these elements aren’t enough to hold listeners’ attention without a more vivacious progression.

Though it starts on a high note, “Meyrin Fields” leaves fans hanging with an overall flat and stagnant sound.

2.5 out of 4 stars