It has been four years since The Shins released Port of Morrow (2012), their fourth studio album which presented itself after a five year hiatus. While frontman James Mercer is the only original member remaining, the current lineup consists of drummer Joe Plummer (formerly of Modest Mouse), guitarist Mark Watrous, bassist Yuuki Matthews, and keyboardist Richard Swift (The Arcs, The Black Keys). This lineup maintains the alternative folk rock persona that The Shins created in 1996, while adding elements of dream pop to their recent configuration.
After establishing the band’s return with their first track release in late October with this creepy cool music video for “Dead Alive”, they continue their resurgence with a lyrical video for a second track, “Name For You”. This song displays more of the timelessly poppy vibe that The Shins are known for, diversifying from the previous track and giving hope for their upcoming record, dubbed Heartworms, which is due out March 10. If these two tracks are any indication, we’re looking forward to more of these infectious ballads from The Shins in 2017.
The record is produced by Mercer, who dedicates “Name For You” as a hopeful ode of empowerment to his daughters. “Given all the drops in the ocean, better take it one sip at a time,” he sings. “Somebody with an antique notion comes along to tighten the line, they’re just afraid of you speaking your mind.”
Full track listing for Heartworms:
- Name For You
- Painting A Hole
- Cherry Hearts
- Fantasy Island
- Mildenhall
- Rubber Ballz
- Half A Million
- Dead Alive
- Heartworms
- So Now What
- The Fear