By Scott Jeffrey
“Here take a listen to this, it will change your life.” This is the moment in Garden State whereby many were introduced to The Shins. Now it has been a good many years since that film, and The Shins are still at it, albeit at a careful pace. Port of Morrow is the first release from The Shins in 5 years. It has got a back to basic sound that rings of Chutes Too Narrow, and the radio appeal of a few really great singles. This thing could also “Change Lives”.
September is the single that I first heard off of this album. It has got a sound that I associate completely with The Shins with James Mercer’s voice really being the main instrument. The mixing on this track is fantastic, it’s got a great hopalong chorus and a style of chord progression that reminds me quite a bit of the Broken Bells album, mercer’s side project with Danger Mouse.
Simple Song, has been getting some quality radio play even on some stations that would typically play some harder stuff. This song has a way of crossing genres, because of the harder sounding guitars. I would imagine this would absolutely rock an arena show or outdoor venue that The Shins played (Such as the one coming up this summer where they are supporting The Black Keys in Toronto).
The opening track is surprising; it sounds like a typical Shins acoustic number but is buried in a deep fuzz and has strange synth and a fairly loud bass line. This really kicks the album into an open. It is certainly something a bit different from the shins and it shows they’ve really worked hard to make this album a standout, and to have something for just about everyone on it.
40 Mark Strasse, is a great pop song, with a strange ghostly whistling syth that pops up in the bridge. The harmonies are great and I can’t help but just call this a toe tapper.
I could probably dissect each song, but I would recommend just taking a listen to this album, It is well worth your time.
Honestly it’s rare that I hear an indie rock/pop album that is this polished. The mixing is just spectacular and James Mercer sounds like an angel. Each song is well crafted both lyrically and musically. So many bands just seem to poot out material, and quite often with albums that are spaced 5 years apart you kind of expect to be disappointed. With Port Of Morrow, I simply cannot feel disappointed in the least. The Shins are back and they are ready to change lives again.
9/10
Take Away thought: Just listen to it through itunes here, it may be another 5 years before they make more. The album is available for purchase March 20th!
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