The Shins return to form

A bit of old and a bit of new.

2008 saw a lot of changes for the Shins. They left their label SubPop and began work on their new album to be released on James Mercer's Aural Apothecary label. I personally worried for the future of the band. There was the Milquetoast "Wincing the night away" and several lineup changes including the departure of drummer Jesse Sandoval. I'm happy to say that in spite of all of the new, 'Port of Morrow' is a proper Shins album. Melodic vocal harmonies interweave wonderfully with complex but accessible guitar and drum work. It's hard to describe what makes The Shins sound like The Shins but it wasn't there on the last album and it's returned and made me a happy fan.  While some of their older work could be called melancholy this album has a positive and upbeat sound to it that responds well to repeat listening. It's the kind of album you would put on for a sunny day and picnics in the park with your sweetheart. 'Bait and switch' is an early stand out with a lively Beck type of groove and supported by clear and expressive guitar work and lilting backing vocals, it begs to move your body to it's rhythms. While 'For a Fool' elicits memories of 'Pink Bullets' and a pleasant diversion into alt country landscapes, the real gem here is 'Port of Morrow'. Mercer nearly finds a new voice for this song with it's falsetto Buckley like vocals and inspired chord arrangements. If this album were considered a bit of old and a bit of new, the title track is definitely a new sound for The Shins. - Mik