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 some hints on their website earlier this week, the suspense has been built, and the air is now cleared. Today, the release of this music video for a new track “Dead Alive” promises a future for the upcoming release. Mercer calls the video “a Halloween gift while you wait for the album.”
The new album is officially on its way, yet it remains untitled with no exact release date. The previously-released teaser included an ominous message, which read: “In a dead-end town, a car salesman is in great danger. It’s something he can’t run from, something in his subconscious.” Stay tuned!
[via NPR]