The biggest drawback about being Gnarls Barkley is having every subsequent song compared to their megahit ‘Crazy’. The Odd Couple is darker, less radio-friendly; in particular, opening track ‘Charity Case’ lacks the trademark theatricality of a Gnarls song. But it’s still a gem, and vocalist Cee-Lo Green is definitely still the soul machine. 

One thing is for sure – the dynamic duo are continually obsessed with old TV. This time, they take the album title from the 1970s TV show about two very different fl atmates and the shenanigans that ensue. Accordingly, the pairing of DJ Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo makes for an equally high-energy romp through jungles of live instrumentation and choice samples tinged with psychedelia. 

Cee-Lo skips from angry to soulful, melancholic to menacing. ‘Run children! Run for your life!’ he warns on the album’s fi rst single, ‘Run’ – and you’d better believe him. There’s a faintly threatening quality to his vocals on ‘Would-Be Killer’, which escalates into surreal darkness on ‘Open Book’. His range is remarkable but not surprising for someone who switches so effortlessly between rapping and singing. 

Danger Mouse unveils raw production that lends the album an old-school air without making it sound dated. The beats are heavy over Cee-Lo’s melody, riddled with handclaps and wistful choruses. Danger Mouse is insolently self-aware of his technical prowess and how well it translates into this project – he knows he’s good, and you can’t help but agree. The Odd Couple sags a little at the end, but it’s still Gnarls back with a vengeance. And if you think otherwise, I’d strongly suggest you run.