Turn that frown upside down with The Shins
“I’m just a simple man, cursed with an honest heart,” Shins frontman James Mercer sings on “Bait and Switch” from his band’s latest disc, “Port of Morrow.” “Watch her go and tear it all apart.”
Shins records can feel like turnstiles for the women who have come and gone from Mercer’s life, batting his heart around like a badminton shuttlecock.
Mercer’s no mope though — plus, he’s been married for years now — and the Shins’ buoyant, bright hued indie pop reflects as much: It’s too much fun to frown through.
“Port of Morrow” may be the band’s biggest sounding album yet, with spit-shined production values and heightened electronic flourishes.
It’s a natural mood enhancer.
“It doesn’t have to be so dark and lonesome,” Mercer consoles on “It’s Only Life.” “It takes awhile, but we can figure this thing out and turn it back around.”
And around it goes. …
Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.