Amarillo College Ranger

Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: www.myspace.com The Shins [Click to enlarge]

Those hovering around the CD racks of local music stores for the newest release of the Shins finally can breathe a sigh of relief.
Their newest CD, Wincing the Night Away, hit the shelves not too long ago. Following the Shins' 2003 hit, Chutes Too Narrow, fans of the group are more than happy to fill their CD players with new tracks from the indie-rock band.
The group has spent the past three years trying to fulfill the expectations of the previous album. Those not familiar with the band might have heard the song, "New Slang," that it provided for the soundtrack for the much-acclaimed movie, Garden State.
The new album pulls people in with singer James Mercer's sharp, excellent vocals and the band's ability to use its instruments to match the lyrics to a T.
The first song, "Sleeping Lessons," has a dream-like atmosphere to it. It starts off with Mercer's methodical singing and a vibraphone playing along. Only midway does the entire band kick in, and by the end of the song ,it slowly builds to full on rock 'n' roll.
The first single from the album, "Phantom Lamb," sounds much more pop than the rest of the CD. I can see why they chose it to be the first single, from the catchy beat to the easy-to-handle lyrics. It will make it much more mainstream and easier to handle. It was as though I had heard this song from some other band. Without a doubt, I can see this song being played on repeat on our college station, FM90. It is not a very distinctive song, in my mind, and not as strong as the others on the album.
"Pam Berry" is one song that comes out of nowhere and hits you with great, ragged, surf rock paired with Mercer's distorted voice.
But by far my favorite song on the CD has to be "Girl Sailor." The song features funky synthesizers, great guitar rhythms, amazing vocals and well-thought-out lyrics that altogether make it something you can listen to over and over.
Mercer has a soulful delivery, and it is one of the most solid songs on the CD from start to finish. It is a strong contender for the second single off the album.
There is an oceanic theme throughout the album. For example, in "Sea Legs," "Girl, if you're a seascape, I'm a listing boat, for the thing carries every hope. I invest in a single lie. The choice is yours to be loved. Come away from an emptier boat."
The band sounds a little like Modest Mouse meets Death Cab For Cutie.
People wouldn't like this album if they are into Britney Spears or Mike Jones. But if they want to get off the beaten path and try something new, they should pick up the latest from the Shins. Believe me, it's money well spent.

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