The Shins Rock From the Gut

James Mercer is one deep dude. The Shins latest collection "Port of Morrow" is swathed in infinite mystery. If it's a question of identity, relationships, you name it, there's mystery afoot. You'd never know that from the firepower uncorked on "Simple Song". Radio has wisely taken to this boisterous rocker like a pig to slop. However the song could more easily be filed under exception than rule. Note the haunting storytelling of "40 Mark Strasse" with the spotlight on droning moms and the conundrum which is our simply complex world. So much fractured living is conjured up (e.g., broken kites, unwritten life chapters). Despite this cuts like "September" demonstrates how this band is skilled enough to know how to let rays of sun peek through the darkness. As you'd expect from a Shins record the musicianship comes easily and the overall sound is richly textured. This is one port of call worth the visit.