Not since 2007 has the world heard from The Shins. It’s been nearly five years, but The Shins have finally released a new album. Fans of the Shins may find things slightly different though; a lot has changed. The lead singer of the Shins, James Mercer is, and always has been, the driving force behind the band.

The way that he goes is the way the band goes, and that is part of the reason for the hiatus. Following the highly regarded 2007 album Wincing The Night Away, Mercer felt like he needed a break from the world of the Shins, and he decided to take some time off to work with side projects.

Mercer went on to work with the band Modest Mouse, singing back-up vocals for their album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. He also collaborated with his friend Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse. This team-up with Danger Mouse led to the formation of the band Broken Bells.

Together, they released a self-titled album, which garnered much acclaim. The success and touring of Broken Bells led to much speculation over the continuation of the new constellation. They did release an EP titled Meyrin Fields in 2011 but ultimately, Mercer decided it was time to return to The Shins.

The Shins were finished with their previous record deal with Sub Pop Records after their album in 2007, and for their new album, Mercer decided to release it on his own label, Aural Apothecary.

But before fans could get excited for The Shins working on a new album, there were some changes to the band. When all was said and done, Mercer was the only remaining original member of the band and under the new lineup, the shuffled Shins went to work on a new album. Eventually, they were all set to release Port of Morrow. 

Released on March 20, Port of Morrow is a 10-track album, plus two bonus tracks, that has received mostly favorable reviews so far. The Shins still sound like The Shins, but die-hard fans may be able to notice some differences.

The album features many beautiful instrumentations, both upbeat and mellow, and vocals undeniably gorgeous from Mercer. The first single release was Simple Song, a track that will fit in with any mix of Shins hits. No doubt fans may be upset over the lineup changes, but no one should be upset that The Shins are back.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.theshins.com

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

Matt Perry
Matt is a graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Marketing. He is interested in writing, as well as all things entertainment industry.

Related Posts

Flowerland’s First Release in Fifteen Years Reviewed

The first Flowerland release in 15 years comes on October 16 and is bringing back the old school energy of the 90s. Flowerland formed in New Haven, CT, in 1991, and is presenting the original line up composed of vocalist...

Norah Jones Takes Beautiful Dark Turn With Little Broken Hearts

'Little Broken Hearts' is an album all about jealousy, heartache, betrayal, and all of the emotions that come with a tough break-up. It is Norah Jones fifth solo album and it is wonderfully beautiful and dark. Those who have...

Beyonce’s “4” Soulful Singing

Even though Beyonce may be rather quiet about her love life in interviews, she has no problem airing out her feelings in her track, “I Care”, off her studio album 4, released June 28. Produced by Jeff Bhasker, the track...

1 Comment for After Five Years, The Shins Return

Emma

Definitely! I’m sooo glad The Shins are back It was a huge surprise to me, but a good one at that. I can’t get enough of them, and must have watched the video they have for “Simple Song” at least 100 times!! You’re missing out if you haven’t seen it yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoLTPcD1S4Q&ob=av2n

Reply