Phantom Power - The Shins

The good will out, and indeed it will. Third albums, it is widely perceived, can be a serious headache for a band. The furious, relentless praise of the debut is replaced by the seminal salivating as the second (or sophomore if you are of the American disposition) record is unleashed. And then, as it so often happens with many, the damp squib of the third. So a few weeks after the release of ‘Wincing The Night Away,’ the third album from The Shins many burning questions are burning on our minds - How is it being received, will it change your life and can this Alberqueke oufit really do anything wrong?

Lead singer James Mercer took some time out of a busy schedule to speak to Gigwise to divulge all. We hooked up with the genial singer as he and his band prepare to appear on the comedy institution that is Saturday night live, as well as an equally coveted appearance on Jay Leno.   

Although there certainly hasn’t been any unrest, there has been a certain amount of wrangling and rumour on the internet that The Shins have turned their back on the archetypal pop sound that made them so loved, but is ‘Wincing The Night Away’ a big departure? “I wouldn’t say it’s a big departure. I can understand when people say it sounds a bit different, there is certainly a lot more going on sonically, there is more of an electronic sound in parts and its more layered but I’m very pleased with how its being received, its going down well, people seem to be liking it.”

‘Wincing The Night Away’ is a continuation, the logical progression if you like. It has been said that in order for something to be embraced it needs to be 75% old and in this instance it burns true. There is definitely the familiar Shins sound, the sometimes quirky, always emotional and slightly outside the box pop sound that enraptured so many.

First things second though. As well as gaining fans since their last record, The Shins have enlisted the skills of an extra band member. Eric Johnson of the Fruitbats has joined the ship. James comments: “Yeah, well actually Eric was with us during the recording of the album as well. I just wanted the live feel, during the recording we had that with Eric on board. He is an awesome musician too; he can play anything, everything, guitars, mandolins, flutes, drums. It will be great when we play live as well because the extra person really makes it happen”

An extra player was not the only addition. During the recording process Phil Ek and Joe Chicarelli were both brought in to help with the production (James was also responsible, the album being recorded partly in his house). With three producers on board there was always going to be differing viewpoints and different sounds. “Yeah, it’s great working and learning from such talented people and having Eric with us. This album took longer than ‘Shutes’ (…Too Narrow, their second album) but it was good times, we never felt any pressure, we just worked at it and I’m glad people like it.”

Rumours abound that the album was actually due for release some time ago but was put back as the direction and sound were not right. James is quick to dispel such talk: “I don’t know where that came from, it wasn’t like that. We were not rushed, that part is nothing to do with me, I don’t like to think ‘oh you have this long until the release date and you must have x number of songs’. We didn’t feel the pressure; the album was always going to be ready when it was ready.”