The Shins - Port of Morrow

Here is a picture of James Mercer looking like James Mercer. For the most part, the new Shins album, Port of Morrow, is The Shins sounding just like The Shins. For instance, if I told you that the first single Simple Song was a long lost B-side from Chutes Too Narrow I doubt that it would stretch your credibility too far. Please have a listen:

The Shins - Simple Song

Ok, maybe slightly unbelievable. B-side is probably pushing it. More like long-lost lead-off single. It's good, in other words.

Now, for some contrast, let's take a listen No Way Down. While Mercer's trademark timbre and delivery are unmistakable here, there is a bouncy, almost pop-like beat that I haven't from The Shins before.

The Shins - No Way Down


The experimentation with timing and beat continues with Fall of '82 which might as well be a cover of a Squeeze song originally released during the titular time period. Very retro. Yes, I realize that most of the people reading this were not alive in the fall of 1982 but I was and, more importantly, James Mercer was.

The Shins - Fall of '82

And finally, ready for things to get completely off the wall? The title track Port of Morrow leads off with Mercer singing in falsetto, entirely unrecognizable. He sings the majority of the verses in his regular voice, but the effect is vaguely unsettling. Which I think is the point.

The Shins - Port of Morrow


Overall, the album has a much more polished feel than their previous efforts, with more emphasis on electronics and experimentation. Here's to taking chances and evolving.

Out March 20th on Columbia Records. Buy it here.

For fans of: The Shins