El Camino

Following their breakout LP Brothers, Dan and Patrick went back into the studio to record the follow-up. The duo hired Danger Mouse, who co-produced Brothers and their 2008 album Attack and Release, to handle production duties along with them. They recorded in Nashville at Easy Eye Sound Studio, a studio owned and operated by Dan.

Musically, the duo took inspiration from popular genres from the 50s and 70s. They cited bands like The Clash, Sweet, The Cars, and the Ramones as huge influences on the musical direction. Tracks like Gold on the Ceiling have a huge glam rock influence while Little Black Submarines have a more soul-driven sound, while still maintaining the garage rock sound that made them famous.

The album was released on December 6, 2011 to acclaim from critics. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 album charts and went on to be nominated for Album of the Year at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The album did win Best Rock Album and the single Lonely Boy won Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance.