High Hopes abound for The Shins’ first feature length album in five years, pressure indeed with fans waiting with bated breath since 2011 for any whisper of new work, but the American Indie rockers deliver magnificently with their fourth offering Port of Morrow.
Tracks like ‘Simple Song’, the band’s first single release, and ‘No Way’ delight and enrich the ear with the eponymous track displaying a decidedly bluegrass influence which perfectly frames the track’s relaxed lyrics. Mercer’s vocals come across strongly throughout each piece; a considerable achievement when taking the tranquillity and peace that perforates each melody into account.
Having released the album on Mercer’s own label Aural Apothecary, via Columbia Records, you would expect a greater level of artistic liberty and this is delivered throughout with lyrics like “I know things can get rough when you go it alone” displaying a personal touch which reflects and creates a welcome personal intimacy between band and listener. In each track the band relays a connection that really makes us care whilst still retaining the personal significance that makes the album stand out.
The hallmark of this album is the inherent beauty in simplicity, which consistently comes across. Whether through sound or lyric Port of Morrow achieves the seemingly impossible in retaining a hang loose nonchalance whilst still being poignant, significant and worth listening to. With a string of tour dates announced throughout Europe and America, The Shins have gone beyond their televised roots from song performances on Gilmore Girls, and Californian soap drama The O.C., with a modern twist on what makes the band brilliant.