The Shins Are Not The Shins – Port of Morrow Review
In March of 2012 The Shins released a brand new album called Port of Morrow after a span of five years since their last album release titled Wincing the Night Away. For a lot of artists, after a long period of time between albums you tend to notice a drastic difference in the overall presentation of the new album. In some instances it could be a bad thing and in some it could be great. The Shins’ Port of Morrow left me yearning for that missing album.
In previous albums, the band’s sound was more of a new wave sound with the synthesized sounds and their music was very guitar-heavy but what I loved about it was the light folk electric and acoustic sound. In Port of Morrow, the band kept it heavy on rock elements in their music but the new wave sounds or folk sound from previous albums sounded as though it lacked fluidity and a bit of intricacy.
The Shins are no longer The Shins but rather James Mercer and new members and it shows. This is not for me, a bad album but it is not The Shins album. It is just a good effort that maybe should have been labeled a solo effort by James Mercer. After all, he did release it under his label. I do want to note during their LIVE performances (at least during SXSW), it is clear with the removal of band mates and the addition of the new members even their old songs sound different. It is still enjoyable but just awkwardly too different at times.
Do not get my wrong, I like the album and the sound. It is still well written musically and lyrically, and Mercer’s voice still is unique and well focused but when I put it on, it is not The Shins I am hearing.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Simple Song OFFICIAL VIDEO - The Shins
The Shins released the video for the first single “Simple Song” off of their upcoming album Port of Morrow. After watching the video, it made me like the single even more. It’s fun, malicious, and facetious. What a great video. It is currently not available on stream but you can download it for free off iTunes.
The Shins: “September” (b-side of “Simple Song” 7”) from Record Store Day on Vimeo.
The Shins released a B-Side from their up coming album Port of Morrow, “September.” The album will be released via lead singer James Mercer’s label, Aural Apothecary. “September” is different from their previously released track, “Simple Song.” It is very low, mellow and acoustic, however listening to the tracks one right after another, “September” complements “Simple Song” very well in its release. With a new group of forming The Shins (except for singer James Mercer who is now the only original member), Port of Morrow along with the Spring tour should be interesting. Watch the official video above.
The Shins Have a New Song Out
The Shins released a song from their upcoming album Port of Morrow. It has been 4ish years since they released an album. If “Simple Song” is any indication of what Port of Morrow will sound like, then I am still excited. Simple Song captivates with elevated vocals with that touch of pop and rock. A familiarity I have missed.
Preorder your album and take a listen to Simple Song.
http://simplesong.theshins.com/
http://simplesong.theshins.com/
http://simplesong.theshins.com/
