THE SHINS

Wincing the Night Away

2007-02-05

Spooky sounds abound on this 3rd album from Albuquerque NM, now Portland OR based band the Shins. Maybe a relocation shifted their focus. Maybe the followed the Decemberists in that they have put out their most radio friendly album to date. Wincing The Night Away tends to lean more to The Shins named influence Echo and The Bunnymen but the tracks are somehow subdued among all the poetic lyrics. Sometimes these songs work.quite well like on the 2nd track Australia. Track 5 Sea Legs is almost a throwback to late nineties Blur and more recent offerings from Beck. This album is pop friendly, and is less intense as their last album Chutes Too Narrow. Track 8 reminds me of the first Greg Sulli solo album. The Shins are definetely reaching. This is a nice record, but the ferocious retro, but somehow still new sounding sound is a little less present. Don't get me wrong, this is still a kick in the pants. Standout tracks: Track 2, Track 5, Track 7, Track 8

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 12/2012

    WEST END MOTEL
    Only Time Can Tell

  • reviewed 10/2011

    NATTY
    The Rebelship Sessions EP

  • reviewed 10/2013

    FAREWELL MILWAUKEE
    Can't Please You, Can't Please Me

  • reviewed 04/2014

    DAN CROLL
    Sweet Disarray

  • reviewed 08/2006

    JIM NOIR
    Tower of Love

  • reviewed 08/2010

    KATHRYN CALDER
    Are You My Mother?

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.