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The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996. The band is the project of singer-songwriter James Mercer, who has served as the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes. The band's current line-up consists of Mercer, alongside Yuuki Matthews (bass, keyboards), Mark Watrous (guitar, keyboards, lap steel), Patti King (keyboards), and Jon Sortland (drums).[1] They are based in Portland, Oregon.

Key Information

The band was formed by Mercer as a side project to Flake Music, who were active from 1992 to 1999. Flake Music released two 7-inch singles and a full-length album, When You Land Here, It's Time to Return, on Omnibus Records and were touring with Modest Mouse when the Shins became signed to Sub Pop Records. The Shins' first two records, Oh, Inverted World (2001) and Chutes Too Narrow (2003), performed well commercially and received critical acclaim. The single "New Slang" brought the band to mainstream attention when it was featured in the 2004 film Garden State. Consequently, the band's third album, Wincing the Night Away (2007), was a major success for the group, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy Award nomination.

Following this, the Shins signed to Columbia Records and Mercer parted ways with the entire original lineup, deeming it "an aesthetic decision". Following a near five-year hiatus, Port of Morrow, the band's fourth studio album, was released in 2012. Their fifth album, Heartworms, was released in March 2017.

History

[edit]

1996–2000: Early years

[edit]
The Shins were formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Shins was formed in 1996 by James Mercer, a member of the band Flake Music in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Flake Music (formerly known simply as Flake) consisted of members guitarist/vocalist James Mercer, drummer Jesse Sandoval, keyboardist Martin Crandall, and bassist Neal Langford.[2] The group began in 1992 and released a string of singles, the Spork EP, and an album, When You Land Here, It's Time to Return, which was well received.[2] The band toured with Modest Mouse and Califone.[3] Mercer formed the Shins for a change of pace and enlisted Sandoval on drums. When asked what it was that began his interest in music, Mercer said "... it got me out of my shell and gave me a social life."[4] They began performing as a duo alongside Cibo Matto and the American Analog Set.[5] Mercer became the band's primary songwriter, and consequently, "the group developed a more focused, crafted sound than Flake Music's charming, if somewhat rambling, collaborative style."[3] His focus on percussive guitar playing still led friends to compare his demos as too similar to Flake, and he focused on taking the music in a different direction. Unlike Flake, Mercer was the band's sole lyricist, and songs were built from his initial structure.[5] The group added Scared of Chaka's Dave Hernandez and Ron Skrasek to complete their lineup, but the two musicians left before the end of the decade to pursue their work with Scared of Chaka.[3] By 1999, Flake Music disbanded and Neal Langford joined the Shins.[5]

The Shins issued their first release — the 7" EP Nature Bears a Vacuum — in 1998 via Omnibus Records. Following the completion of their debut single release, "When I Goose-Step", the Shins embarked on a tour with Modest Mouse.[3] Mercer became a "hermit" crafting what would become the group's debut album, and became depressed with his life in Albuquerque.[6] Friends of the band, including Zeke Howard from Love As Laughter and Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse sent record labels cassette demos of the band's songs.[5] Mercer sent a demo to Sub Pop Records in Seattle, Washington, and label co-founder Jonathan Poneman caught a concert in San Francisco while the band was on tour with Modest Mouse.[5] He offered the band a one-off single deal, and the Shins' second single, "New Slang", was included as part of their Single-of-the-Month series, issuing a 7" single to fan club members in February 2001.[7] Positive press for "New Slang" made the group's debut album one of the most anticipated indie rock albums of 2001, and Sub Pop signed the band in full.[5] "Before you knew it, my whole life was upside down: I got signed, I quit my job, I moved out of town, the big relationship I'd had for five years ended. All of a sudden my whole life was up in smoke", recalled Mercer.[4]

2001–2003: Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow

[edit]

The band's debut LP, Oh, Inverted World (2001), was released in June 2001, with a compact disc version following the next month.[7] Much of the album was recorded prior to the Sub Pop deal in Mercer's basement.[5][7] The album received critical acclaim and solidified the band as one of indie rock's definitive artists,[3] while also placing Albuquerque on the musical map with Oh, Inverted World's "gloriously skewed pop and [how it is] dripping with yearning, whimsy and brittle innocence."[8] The album helped re-establish Sub Pop Records as a dominant force in the independent community; the label had been without a marquee artist for many of the prior years.[2] The group spent the rest of the year touring with acts such as Preston School of Industry and Red House Painters.[3] "New Slang" proved to be a "stealth hit", helping Oh, Inverted World move over 100,000 copies within two years, considered remarkable for an independent label; Sub Pop had hoped the record would sell 10,000 copies.[9] Mercer was positive in licensing the song to a variety of media, confirming to The New York Times that he received more money from touring and licensing than record sales.[9] The song was featured in a McDonald's advert that aired during the 2002 Winter Olympics,[10] which led to criticism from several corners, among those independent music fans and the band's own hometown alt weekly.[11][12]

The royalties Mercer earned from the commercial allowed him to purchase a home and relocate to Portland, Oregon, where the group built a basement studio and recorded their second album, Chutes Too Narrow (2003).[11][13] During this period, the group replaced Langford on bass with Dave Hernandez (from Scared of Chaka).[3] Having cut ties with a bad relationship and a bad job, Mercer felt his songwriting reflected a broader perspective as a result.[14] Although recording in the basement was less than pleasant, the band found it "cheaper than a real studio".[14] The home was broken into at one point, and thieves stole the master tapes for Oh, Inverted World.[15] The album was released in October 2003 to critical acclaim, appearing on numerous music critics' and publications' end-of-year albums lists.[16][17] It also became their first album to chart, peaking at number 86 on the Billboard 200.[2]

2004–2007: Mainstream success and Wincing the Night Away

[edit]
"New Slang"
"New Slang" was featured in the 2004 film Garden State and brought the band mainstream success.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"New Slang" was repurposed when it was prominently featured in the film Garden State (2004). In a scene from the film, Sam (portrayed by Natalie Portman) tells Andrew Largeman (played by director Zach Braff) that the song "will change your life."[15] The song "changed everything" for the group, causing their first two albums to sell more than twice what they had sold prior to the film's debut.[15] "Almost overnight, the Shins became indie-rock icons," wrote Robert Levine of Spin.[15] The band extended their tour in support of the song and its popularity.[18] "We saw a change in our audience. By the time we were done touring for Chutes Too Narrow, there was this new interest", said Mercer. "We toured again almost as the soundtrack to that movie, and colleges were all of a sudden interested in us playing on their campuses. We wanted to consummate the new relationship by touring and having a relationship with them. I mean, it just kept growing!"[19] This additional exposure helped Oh, Inverted World move 500,000 units in the United States.[15] Fans of the group had mixed reactions at their newfound success; some regarded their unknown nature as an integral part of their appeal.[2] The band also appeared in season four, episode 17 of Gilmore Girls while Rory and Paris are on spring break in Florida.

Mercer began writing the band's third record in late 2005, employing ideas and riff fragments collected over the band's various tours.[15] Suffering from insomnia, he would often wake up in the middle of the night and piece together songs in his home studio until dawn.[15] For their third album, the group for the first time turned to an outside producer: Joe Chiccarelli, who produced Frank Zappa. Inspired primarily by a painful breakup and the group's newfound success, the album was initially set to be released in the summer of 2006.[15] It was later pushed back to fall, and finally released in January 2007. Wincing the Night Away represented a major jump for the Shins in terms of commercial success: the album peaked at number two (in comparison to its predecessors' peak of number 86), setting a record for Sub Pop.[3] It moved over 100,000 copies in its opening week, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album.[3] Following the success of the album, The Shins left their longtime label, Sub Pop, for Mercer's own label, Aural Apothecary.[20]

2008–2013: Line-up change and Port of Morrow

[edit]
The Shins performing in 2012.

Having worked on The Shins for nearly a decade, Mercer felt exhausted and ready to quit the band. "Mainly I was tired of being right in the middle and everything sort of revolving around me, including the friendship dynamics-slash-bandmate dynamics and the creative aspect", Mercer explained in 2012.[21] Noting that the band had never been bigger, some aspects of the limelight made him uncomfortable.[21] Mercer was approached by Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) around this same period regarding a possible collaboration on a new project, which became Broken Bells.[21] Enjoying the fresh approach with Broken Bells in regard to meeting new musicians, Mercer desired to continue that feeling. Mercer parted ways with longtime bandmates Dave Hernandez, Martin Crandall and Jesse Sandoval, terming it "an aesthetic decision".[20][22] Sandoval instead told The Portland Mercury he was "unequivocally fired" from the group by Mercer.[23] Mercer would later relate that his decision was "tremendously difficult", but instead wished to view it as a new phase.[15]

Working with Burton on Broken Bells helped Mercer overcome fears of collaboration, which in turn influenced the rotating "cast of characters" that grouped together around him to record Port of Morrow, which became the fourth album under The Shins brand upon its March 2012 release. Mercer was the only original member. "I always loved these auteurs who presented themselves as bands", Mercer later explained, referencing Neutral Milk Hotel and Lilys as examples, which led to him feeling as though he could pursue something similar, allowing the concept of The Shins to carry on.[4] Producer Greg Kurstin had a particular influence on Port of Morrow, encouraging Mercer to experiment in the studio.[24][25] Mercer began touring with an all new backing band, including fellow songwriters Jessica Dobson and Richard Swift, Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer, and Yuuki Matthews from the Crystal Skulls.[3] Port of Morrow debuted at number three on the US chart,[26] and lead single "Simple Song" represented the band's best chart performance, peaking within the top 10 on the US Alternative Songs chart.[27]

2014–present: Heartworms and recent events

[edit]
The Shins performing in 2017.

In 2014, The Shins recorded and released a new song, "So Now What", for the soundtrack of Wish I Was Here (directed by Zach Braff of Garden State). Mercer noted to Billboard that he was immensely proud of how the track came out: "I think it's one of the best things I've ever done."[28] That November, a reissue of Flake Music's first album, When You Land Here, It's Time to Return, was released.

In 2016, the group recorded a cover of the Beatles' "The Word" for the Netflix show Beat Bugs.[29] During this time, Mercer was at work on the band's fifth album, which he felt was closer in sound to the Shins' earlier work than Port of Morrow: "I made a concerted effort on certain songs to fit the palette, to use the palette that I've used historically for the band."[30] Mercer announced the new Shins album, Heartworms, in January; it was released on March 10, 2017.[1] In January 2018, they released The Worm's Heart, an album which reimagined Heartworms.[31]

Former band member Richard Swift died on July 3, 2018.[32] He was admitted to the hospital in June for hepatitis.[33]

September 24, 2020 saw the release of a new single titled "The Great Divide".[34]

In April 2021, a 20th anniversary reissue of Oh, Inverted World was announced for release on June 11, 2021. The reissue was remastered by Bob Ludwig, with Mercer serving as an assistant.[35] A "21st birthday" tour of North America was announced in May 2022, where The Shins played Oh Inverted World in its entirety.[36]

Former bassist Neal Langford, who played on Oh Inverted World and in Flake Music with Mercer, died on July 21, 2023, at the age of 50. Mercer announced his death on July 27, describing him in a post to social media as "one of the best friends I've ever had".[37]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Mercer described the Shins as a "pop project" from the beginning.[5] The group were inspired by any and all music that they discovered. "Everything we listen to [...] makes its way in somehow, but we've been inspired by a bunch of bands who basically just keep reinventing the same thing", said Mercer.[5] The group received comparisons to the "pop revivalists" at the Elephant 6 Recording Collective early in their career,[clarification needed] such as The Apples in Stereo,[clarification needed] whilst Mercer's vivid, often surrealist lyrics and infectious melodies drew comparisons to the songwriting style of Robert Pollard from Guided by Voices.[5] Rolling Stone credited the band with bringing "the pop traditions of 1960s pop bands—groups like the Zombies, and the Beach Boys—to a new generation of music fans."[2]

Members

[edit]
Current[1]
  • James Mercer – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass (1996–present)
  • Yuuki Matthews – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Mark Watrous – guitar, keyboards, lap steel, backing vocals (2012–present)[38][39]
  • Jon Sortland – drums, backing vocals (2016–present)
  • Patti King – keyboards, backing vocals (2016–present)
Former
  • Jesse Sandoval – drums, percussion (1996–2009)
  • Martin Crandall – keyboards, backing vocals (1998–2009), bass (1998–2000, 2003–2009)
  • Dave Hernandez – bass, guitar, backing vocals (1998–2000, 2003–2009)
  • Neal Langford – bass (2000–2003; died 2023)
  • Eric Johnson – guitar, keyboards, piano, banjo, backing vocals (2007–2011)
  • Ron Lewis – bass (2009–2011)
  • Joe Plummer – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2009–2016)
  • Jessica Dobson – guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2011–2013)[40]
  • Richard Swift – keyboards, piano, organ, synthesizers, bass, guitar, percussion, drone box, backing vocals (2011–2016; died 2018)
  • Casey Foubert – guitar (2016–2018)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: The Shins discography
Studio albums
Remix albums
Extended plays

Awards and nominations

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Shins

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996 as a side project by singer-songwriter James Mercer, who serves as the band's only constant member and primary creative force.[1][2] The group emerged from Mercer's earlier project Flake Music, which he co-founded in 1992 with drummer Jesse Sandoval and others, releasing an album in 1997 before disbanding.[2][1] The band's breakthrough came with their debut studio album, Oh, Inverted World (2001), released on Sub Pop Records, which featured melodic indie pop tracks and established their reputation for witty, introspective songwriting.[3] The single "New Slang" from that album gained widespread recognition after its inclusion on the soundtrack for the 2004 film Garden State, boosting the band's visibility and commercial success.[4] Subsequent albums Chutes Too Narrow (2003) and Wincing the Night Away (2007) further solidified their critical acclaim, with the latter earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.[5][1] Over their career, The Shins have released five studio albums, exploring evolving sounds from jangly guitar-driven indie rock to more experimental electronic elements, while maintaining Mercer's signature lyrical style.[6] The band's lineup has frequently changed, with current touring members including Yuuki Matthews on bass and keyboards, Mark Watrous on guitar and keyboards, Patti King on keyboards, and Jon Sortland on drums, alongside Mercer.[7] Known for influencing the 2000s indie rock landscape, The Shins continue to perform and release music, with their work celebrated for its emotional depth and melodic innovation.[8]

History

Formation and early career (1996–2000)

The Shins were formed in 1996 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by singer-songwriter James Mercer as a side project to his primary band, Flake Music, which he had co-founded in 1992.[2] Flake Music, known for its noise rock sound, featured Mercer on vocals and guitar, drummer Jesse Sandoval, guitarist Neal Langford, and bassist Marty Crandall (who replaced original bassist Phil Higgs).[2] Mercer started writing songs for The Shins to explore a departure from Flake Music's aggressive style, initially performing as a duo with Sandoval on drums for their earliest local shows in Albuquerque.[2] These performances took place at small venues around the city, allowing Mercer to test material that blended melodic indie pop elements with remnants of experimental noise influences.[1] In 1998, The Shins released their debut 7-inch EP, Nature Bears a Vacuum, on the local Omnibus Records label, marking their first official recording and featuring tracks like "Eating Styes from Elephants' Eyes" and "Those Bold City Girls."[9] The EP showcased Mercer's evolving songwriting, shifting toward brighter, more structured indie pop arrangements compared to Flake Music's raw distortion and chaos.[10] Omnibus, which had previously released Flake Music's 1997 full-length album When You Land Here, It's Time to Return, provided a supportive platform for the area's underground scene.[11] Flake Music disbanded in 1999 after completing their commitments, freeing Mercer to focus fully on The Shins; Langford and Crandall soon joined as permanent members, solidifying the lineup.[10] This transition coincided with continued local gigs in Albuquerque and the band's first steps toward a polished indie sound, evident in their 2000 7-inch single When I Goose-Step / The Gloating Sun, also on Omnibus, which highlighted Mercer's growing emphasis on introspective lyrics and jangly guitar hooks.[12] By the end of the decade, these efforts positioned The Shins for broader recognition while maintaining their roots in the Southwest indie circuit.[1]

Breakthrough with Oh, Inverted World (2001–2003)

In 2000, following positive reception to their early singles, The Shins signed with Sub Pop Records, a pivotal move that provided the independent label's resources for professional recording.[13] The band, consisting of James Mercer on vocals and guitars, Jesse Sandoval on drums, Marty Crandall on keyboards, and Neal Langford on bass, relocated from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Portland, Oregon, in early 2001 to facilitate collaboration and proximity to the label. (Neal Langford passed away in July 2023.)[2][14] Recording for their debut album, Oh, Inverted World, took place primarily at Jackpot! Studio in Portland, with some tracks initially demoed in Mercer's apartment; the sessions emphasized a DIY ethos, blending Mercer's intricate songwriting with lo-fi production elements like reverb-heavy guitars and subtle instrumentation.[15] Released on June 19, 2001, via Sub Pop, Oh, Inverted World captured the band's shift toward melodic indie pop, departing from their earlier noisy rock roots. Key tracks such as "New Slang" and "Caring Is Creepy" exemplified the album's lo-fi indie aesthetic, featuring Mercer's wry, introspective lyrics over jangly guitars, xylophone accents, and Sandoval's understated rhythms, creating a hazy, nostalgic sound that resonated in the early-2000s indie scene.[16] The album garnered critical acclaim, with Pitchfork praising its "sunny" yet sincere vibe in a 7.9/10 review, and it was named among the best albums of 2001 by outlets including The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop poll, where it ranked at No. 35.[16] Initial sales were modest, moving over 100,000 copies within two years—a notable achievement for a Sub Pop debut—fueled by word-of-mouth and underground buzz rather than mainstream promotion.[17] Promotion centered on grassroots efforts, including extensive U.S. tours where The Shins opened for Modest Mouse on their 2001 fall trek, exposing them to larger indie audiences at venues like Irving Plaza in New York.[18] The band's first European tour followed in 2002, building international interest amid growing domestic recognition. Visibility surged briefly in 2004 when "New Slang" appeared on the Garden State soundtrack, introducing the track to a broader audience and retroactively amplifying the album's underground popularity.[19]

Chutes Too Narrow and mainstream rise (2004–2007)

The Shins began recording their sophomore album, Chutes Too Narrow, in James Mercer's basement home studio in late 2002, with the band handling initial tracking before completing production and mixing with Phil Ek at Avast! Recording Co. in Seattle.[20] The album, featuring ten tracks clocking in at just over 30 minutes, was released on October 21, 2003, by Sub Pop Records, showcasing Mercer's evolution toward more intricate, multi-layered pop songwriting.[21] Although the release occurred in 2003, the band's visibility surged in 2004, building on the cult following from their debut while introducing refined structures of chiming guitars, elliptical lyrics, and melodic hooks that solidified their indie pop sound.[22] The lead singles "Kissing the Lipless" and "Mine's Not a High Horse" exemplified the album's polished yet quirky aesthetic, with the former opening the record with driving rhythms and the latter delivering wry, upbeat commentary on personal flaws.[23] Commercially, Chutes Too Narrow marked a breakthrough, debuting at number 86 on the Billboard 200 and peaking at number 5 on the Top Independent Albums chart, while selling over 500,000 copies in the United States by 2007.[24] A pivotal boost came from the 2004 film Garden State, whose soundtrack prominently featured the band's earlier track "New Slang," propelling sales of their debut album Oh, Inverted World and retroactively elevating Chutes Too Narrow's profile among mainstream audiences.[25] The period saw the Shins embark on extensive headlining tours across North America and Europe from 2004 to 2007, performing at major festivals and venues that expanded their live draw from club shows to theaters.[26] Media exposure intensified, including a four-star review in Rolling Stone praising the album's intimate balance of familiarity and mystery, alongside appearances on national television that introduced their music to broader indie rock listeners.[23] The core lineup remained stable during this rise, anchored by Mercer on vocals and guitar, Marty Crandall on keyboards, Jesse Sandoval on drums, and Dave Hernandez on bass and guitar, providing continuity amid growing demands.[27] In 2023, Sub Pop issued a 20th-anniversary edition of Chutes Too Narrow, remastered by Adam Ayan under Mercer's supervision, featuring enhanced audio clarity and new packaging to commemorate its enduring influence on indie music.[28]

Wincing the Night Away and lineup shifts (2007–2012)

The recording of Wincing the Night Away, The Shins' third studio album, was a largely solitary endeavor led by frontman James Mercer, who handled much of the writing and production in his Portland basement studio. Additional sessions took place at producer Phil Ek's home studio in Seattle for tracks like "Australia" and "Phantom Limb," and at Supernatural Sound in Oregon City, Oregon, under veteran producer Joe Chiccarelli, known for his work with Beck and U2.[29][30] This Mercer-centric process, while innovative, contributed to growing internal strains within the band, as the collaborative dynamic that defined earlier albums began to feel stifling to Mercer, foreshadowing future lineup instability.[31][32] Released on January 23, 2007, by Sub Pop Records, the album featured standout tracks such as the upbeat "Phantom Limb," with its coiled energy and narrative lyrics, and "Australia," a confident rocker blending banjo and expansive vocals that echoed the band's prior indie pop strengths.[33][34] Critics offered mixed responses to Wincing the Night Away, praising its melodic accessibility and Mercer's vocal range while critiquing its occasional overproduction and departure from the raw charm of predecessors like Chutes Too Narrow. Pitchfork noted the album's "wobbly step out of their comfort zone," assigning it a 7.4 out of 10, highlighting how louder drums sometimes overshadowed Mercer's melodies.[34] Despite the divided reception, commercial performance was robust, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 118,000 copies in its first week, bolstered by the band's rising profile from prior successes.[35] To support the release, The Shins embarked on an extensive world tour from 2007 to 2008, spanning North America, Europe, the South Pacific, and headlining festivals like the UK's Download Festival, where they performed to large crowds amid growing fatigue from the road.[36] The tour's demands exacerbated band tensions, culminating in significant lineup shifts in 2009. Following the cycle, Mercer parted ways with longtime keyboardist Marty Crandall and drummer Jesse Sandoval, citing an "aesthetic decision" to refresh the group's sound, though Sandoval publicly claimed he was fired over the phone for struggling with faster tempos during rehearsals.[37][38] This marked the end of the original core lineup's involvement, as Mercer increasingly viewed The Shins as his personal vehicle for creative exploration rather than a democratic band.[39] In the ensuing transition, Mercer experimented with temporary touring collaborators, including bassist Ron Lewis of Grand Archives and drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse, while laying groundwork for a more fluid model. By 2012, this evolved into assembling a new live ensemble featuring guitarist Jessica Dobson, formerly of Beck, to support upcoming Shins material.[40] Amid these changes, Mercer pursued side projects, notably his collaboration with producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) in Broken Bells, formed in 2009 as a creative outlet during The Shins' uncertainty; their self-titled debut album in 2010 reinvigorated Mercer's songwriting, influencing his approach to the band's revival.[41][42]

Hiatus, revival, and Heartworms (2013–2017)

Following the release of Port of Morrow in 2012 and its supporting tour, The Shins entered a five-year hiatus, during which frontman James Mercer prioritized his collaborative project Broken Bells—releasing the album After the Disco in 2014—and his family life as the father of three children.[43][44] The break allowed Mercer to recharge after years of intense activity, marking a period of relative dormancy for the band with no new Shins material until late in the decade.[45] In August 2016, Mercer announced that a new Shins album was nearing completion and slated for release in early 2017, signaling the band's revival under his continued leadership as the sole constant member.[46] On January 5, 2017, the group revealed details of Heartworms, their fifth studio album and first since Port of Morrow, self-produced entirely by Mercer at his home studio in Portland, Oregon—a hands-on approach reminiscent of the band's early work.[47] The album featured contributions from longtime collaborators Yuuki Matthews on synthesizer and bass, Mark Watrous on guitar and piano, and Joe Plummer on drums, blending indie pop with psychedelic and orchestral elements for an eclectic sound praised by critics for its intimacy and variety.[48] Released on March 10, 2017, via Aural Apothecary/Columbia Records, Heartworms debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Alternative Albums chart, marking the band's first No. 1 in that category.[49] The album's lead single, "Name for You," exemplified its thematic depth, with lyrics inspired by Mercer's desire to empower his daughters amid shifting perspectives on gender and identity, resonating broadly with social issues including LGBTQ+ rights through lines encouraging self-determination like "Go ahead and choose a name for you."[50][51] Reviews highlighted the record's return to the band's roots while exploring mature, introspective territory, with Pitchfork noting its "hermetic" quality and diverse instrumentation across 11 tracks clocking in at 41 minutes.[48] To promote Heartworms, The Shins embarked on a world tour starting in May 2017, with Mercer joined onstage by Matthews on bass, Jon Sortland on drums, Watrous on guitar, and Casey Foubert on guitar, keyboards, and percussion, delivering energetic sets blending new material with classics.[52]

Recent releases and activities (2018–2025)

Following the release of Heartworms in 2017, The Shins maintained a relatively low profile from 2018 to early 2022, with frontman James Mercer focusing on select collaborations and sporadic live performances rather than extensive touring or new material. In January 2018, the band issued The Worm's Heart, a complete reworking of Heartworms featuring reversed track order and reimagined arrangements that shifted some tracks from folk-leaning styles to more upbeat rock elements, all produced by Mercer.[53] The album received mixed reviews, with critics noting its experimental approach but questioning its necessity as a companion piece, though it was praised for highlighting Mercer's versatility in production.[54] Key tracks like the flipped "Name for You" and "Painting a Hole" debuted on streaming platforms, emphasizing introspective themes of personal growth and relationships carried over from the original.[43] Activity picked up in 2022 with the announcement of the "Oh, Inverted World: The 21st Birthday Tour," a North American run from July to September where the band performed their 2001 debut album in full, marking a celebratory return to live shows after pandemic-related pauses.[55] The tour included stops at venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, drawing strong attendance and positive feedback for its nostalgic setlists blending anniversary material with later hits.[56] In 2023, The Shins marked the 20th anniversary of Chutes Too Narrow with a remastered reissue supervised by Mercer and handled by engineer Adam Ayan, featuring updated artwork and available on vinyl and digital formats through Sub Pop Records.[57] The release underscored the album's enduring indie rock influence without introducing new songs, serving as a bridge to ongoing archival efforts. The band's momentum continued into 2025 with a performance at the "Garden State: The 20th Anniversary Concert" on March 29 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, benefiting The Midnight Mission; Mercer and the group played "New Slang" alongside other soundtrack contributors like Iron & Wine and Imogen Heap.[58] This one-off event highlighted the lasting cultural impact of their music in film. Mercer has since confirmed a project-based approach for The Shins, with no plans for disbandment, and in early 2025 announced work on a new studio album—his first original Shins release since 2017—while actively sharing demos and new songwriting via a personal Substack newsletter launched in April.[59][60]

Artistry

Musical style

The Shins' music is primarily rooted in indie rock and indie pop, incorporating elements of folk, psychedelia, and chamber pop throughout their discography. Their sound is characterized by melodic hooks, intricate chord progressions, and a blend of upbeat rhythms with underlying melancholy, often evoking the jangly guitar tones and harmonious vocals reminiscent of 1960s influences while maintaining a modern, introspective edge. Early works leaned toward lo-fi aesthetics with raw, home-recorded textures, evolving into more polished, layered arrangements in subsequent albums that emphasize dynamic shifts and textural depth.[8][61][23] Central to the band's instrumentation is frontman James Mercer's versatile role on vocals and guitar, providing the core melodic framework, complemented by prominent bass lines that drive the rhythmic foundation. During the early era with keyboardist Marty Crandall, synthesizers and organs added atmospheric swells and quirky accents, enhancing the psychedelic undertones, while drummer Jesse Sandoval's dynamic, propulsive style contributed to the songs' energetic builds and releases. This setup allowed for a balance of acoustic intimacy and electric propulsion, with occasional forays into auxiliary instruments like harmonium and xylophone to heighten the whimsical, narrative quality.[62][63] James Mercer's songwriting features cryptic, narrative-driven lyrics that explore themes of relationships, personal introspection, and emotional ambiguity, often delivered through free-associative phrasing that invites multiple interpretations. His approach prioritizes evocative imagery over direct storytelling, paired with catchy, hook-laden melodies that underscore the emotional core of each track. This lyrical style, combined with sophisticated progressions, creates songs that feel both confessional and universally relatable, evolving from the more straightforward folk-inflected narratives of their debut to the abstract, experimental explorations in later releases.[64][65] The band's production techniques reflect their stylistic evolution, beginning with DIY home recording on their 2001 debut Oh, Inverted World, which captured a raw, lo-fi intimacy using basic setups in Mercer's basement. As their career progressed, they adopted professional studio polish, collaborating with producer Phil Ek on albums like Chutes Too Narrow (2003) and Wincing the Night Away (2007) to refine their sound with cleaner mixes, multi-tracked vocals, and subtle effects that amplified the chamber pop elements. Later works, such as Heartworms (2017), returned to self-produced home environments for a more organic, experimental feel, incorporating psychedelic flourishes and tempo manipulations seen in the remix album The Worm's Heart (2018).[66][67][68]

Influences and legacy

The Shins' music draws from a diverse array of influences, rooted in James Mercer's childhood exposure to classic rock via oldies radio and family influences, which instilled an appreciation for melodic songcraft from artists like the Carpenters and Burt Bacharach.[69][65] During his formative years, Mercer was particularly shaped by 1960s British Invasion acts such as the Beatles and the Kinks, whose harmonious pop and witty lyricism informed the band's jangly guitar-driven sound.[70] In the 1990s, Mercer's involvement with Flake Music exposed him to math rock and noise elements, blending complex rhythms with indie experimentation before transitioning to the more introspective style of The Shins.[71] Mercer's high school favorites further expanded these roots, incorporating post-punk and new wave from bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure, and The Smiths, which contributed to the Shins' emotive melodies and atmospheric textures.[72] 1990s indie rock pioneers such as Pavement and the Pixies influenced the band's lo-fi aesthetics and dynamic shifts, while folk-oriented songwriters like Elliott Smith added layers of intimate, confessional storytelling, evident in Mercer's vulnerable lyricism on albums like Chutes Too Narrow.[69][73][74] As pioneers of the 2000s indie rock revival, The Shins helped bridge Sub Pop's post-grunge era—following Nirvana's explosive legacy—with a more accessible, dreamy strain of alternative music that emphasized melody over aggression.[75] Their debut Oh, Inverted World (2001) became a touchstone for millennial indie, with tracks like "New Slang" gaining iconic status after featuring in the 2004 film Garden State, where Natalie Portman's character famously declared it would "change your life."[69][76] This exposure propelled the band to mainstream recognition while solidifying their role in revitalizing indie rock's emotional depth and pop sensibility.[77] The Shins' impact extended to subsequent acts, influencing bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon, and Arcade Fire through their blend of intricate arrangements and heartfelt narratives that prioritized conceptual songwriting over raw energy.[70] An enduring fanbase has sustained the group's relevance, evidenced by reissues like the 2021 remastered Oh, Inverted World anniversary edition, which underscores their lasting appeal. As of 2025, Mercer continues to explore new material, sharing demos and songs via his Substack newsletter.[69] Culturally, their soundtrack contributions—beyond Garden State to projects like the 2010 documentary 180° South—highlighted Mercer's genre-blending prowess, merging indie rock with folk and pop elements in collaborative works that expanded the band's footprint.[78][79]

Personnel

Current members

The current lineup of The Shins, as of 2025, revolves around founder James Mercer as the creative core, supported by a stable group of collaborators who have contributed to recordings and live performances since the mid-2010s. This configuration has enabled the band to maintain its indie rock sound through sporadic releases and select appearances, including the Garden State 20th Anniversary Concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on March 29, 2025.[80] James Mercer serves as lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, having led the band continuously since its formation in 1996.[1] His role encompasses composing the majority of the band's material and guiding its artistic direction across all eras. Yuuki Matthews handles bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, joining as a full member in 2011 after earlier collaborations dating back to 2005; he co-produced the 2018 release The Worm's Heart alongside Mercer and drummer Jon Sortland.[81] Mark Watrous contributes guitar, keyboards, lap steel, and backing vocals since 2012, adding textural depth to both studio tracks and live sets.[80] Jon Sortland rounds out the rhythm section on drums since 2016, bringing experience from his work with the Decemberists to support the band's dynamic performances.[80] Patti King provides keyboards and backing vocals since 2016, contributing to recent studio work and live appearances.[80]

Former members

Martin Crandall served as keyboardist, bassist, and backing vocalist for The Shins from 1998 to 2009, contributing significantly to the band's signature indie rock sound on albums such as Oh, Inverted World (2001), Chutes Too Narrow (2003), and Wincing the Night Away (2007), where his melodic keyboard lines added texture and whimsy to tracks like "Kissing the Lipless" and "Gone for Good." He also contributed keyboards to the subsequent album Port of Morrow (2012).[82][8] His departure in May 2009 was described by frontman James Mercer as an "aesthetic decision" to refresh the band's direction amid evolving creative visions. Crandall's tenure helped define the group's breakthrough era, bridging their Albuquerque roots from the Flake Music days to mainstream success. Neal Langford, an early multi-instrumentalist who played guitar and bass, was part of The Shins' lineup from 2000 to 2003, participating in initial recordings and extensive early touring that supported Oh, Inverted World.[83] His contributions shaped the band's formative live energy during their rise from indie obscurity, but he departed amid internal shifts, with reports suggesting he pursued personal interests like hot-air ballooning, though former drummer Jesse Sandoval claimed it was effectively a firing similar to later lineup changes.[37] Langford's exit marked the first major transition, allowing bassist Dave Hernandez to return and stabilize the rhythm section for subsequent albums. Langford died in 2023.[84] Jessica Dobson joined The Shins as lead guitarist in 2011 following the band's hiatus, providing a fresh dynamic during the promotion of Port of Morrow (2012) with her versatile playing on tracks like "Simple Song" and extensive world touring.[8] Her tenure from 2011 to 2013 infused post-revival energy, blending her indie rock experience from collaborations with Beck and Conor Oberst into the group's evolving sound before she left to focus on her own project, Deep Sea Diver.[85] Richard Swift was a multi-instrumentalist member of The Shins from 2011 to 2016, handling keyboards, percussion, and bass on Port of Morrow and during live performances that revitalized the band after Mercer's side projects.[86] His subtle, soulful contributions added depth to the era's more polished indie pop arrangements, drawing from his production background with acts like the Black Keys. Swift passed away in 2018 at age 41 due to complications from alcoholism, leaving a lasting impact on the band's collaborative spirit.[87]

Timeline

The Shins were formed in 1996 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a side project of James Mercer and drummer Jesse Sandoval, both from the band Flake Music.[88] Keyboardist Martin Crandall and bassist/guitarist Dave Hernandez joined in 1998, solidifying the initial core group that recorded the band's debut album Oh, Inverted World (2001).[1] Bassist Neal Langford replaced Hernandez in 2000 but departed in 2003 when the band relocated to Portland, Oregon; Hernandez rejoined in 2003 for the recording and touring of Chutes Too Narrow (2003) and subsequent albums.[2] This lineup—Mercer, Sandoval, Crandall, and Hernandez—remained stable through Wincing the Night Away (2007), marking the band's most consistent period as a traditional four-piece ensemble.[1] In May 2009, Mercer parted ways with Sandoval, Crandall, and Hernandez, citing an "aesthetic decision" to refresh the project's direction; this shift transformed The Shins from a fixed band into a Mercer-centered collective with rotating collaborators.[37] The immediate touring lineup for 2009–2011 included drummer Joe Plummer (formerly of Modest Mouse), bassist/keyboardist Ron Lewis (from Grand Archives), and guitarist/keyboardist Eric Johnson (from Fruit Bats).[89] By 2012, for the Port of Morrow tour, the group featured Plummer, bassist Yuuki Matthews (from Crystal Skulls), guitarist Jessica Dobson, and keyboardist Richard Swift, emphasizing Mercer's role as the sole constant.[90] Keyboardist/guitarist Richard Swift passed away in 2018, further underscoring the fluid nature of the ensemble.[91] Since the 2017 release of Heartworms, the lineup has stabilized with greater touring consistency, reflecting Mercer's project-based approach while allowing flexibility for live performances; no major personnel changes have occurred through 2025.[52][80]
MemberRoleActive Period
James MercerVocals, guitar, songwriter1996–present
Jesse SandovalDrums, percussion1996–2009
Martin CrandallKeyboards, bass, backing vocals1998–2009
Dave HernandezBass, guitar, backing vocals1998–2000, 2003–2009
Neal LangfordBass2000–2003 (died 2023)
Joe PlummerDrums2009–2016
Ron LewisBass, keyboards2009–2011
Eric JohnsonGuitar, keyboards2009–2011
Yuuki MatthewsBass, keyboards, backing vocals2011–present
Jessica DobsonGuitar, backing vocals2011–2013
Richard SwiftKeyboards, guitar, backing vocals2011–2016 (died 2018)
Mark WatrousGuitar, keyboards, lap steel, backing vocals2012–present
Jon SortlandDrums2016–present
Patti KingKeyboards, backing vocals2016–present
Casey FoubertGuitar, keyboards, backing vocals2016–2018

Discography

Studio albums

The Shins have released five studio albums, beginning with their debut on the independent label Sub Pop and later shifting to the major label Columbia Records following the fulfillment of their initial contract. This transition, announced in 2011, marked a significant evolution in the band's commercial reach and production resources. Collectively, the band's albums have sold nearly 2 million copies in the United States, reflecting sustained popularity driven by critical acclaim and soundtrack placements.
AlbumRelease dateLabelPeak position on Billboard 200
Oh, Inverted WorldAugust 21, 2001Sub Pop— (over 1 million copies sold to date)[92]
Chutes Too NarrowOctober 21, 2003Sub Pop86[49]
Wincing the Night AwayJanuary 23, 2007Sub Pop2[93]
Port of MorrowMarch 20, 2012Columbia3[94]
HeartwormsMarch 10, 2017Columbia20[49]

Singles and EPs

The Shins' discography includes several extended plays (EPs) and over 15 singles, many of which served as lead tracks from their studio albums and achieved notable airplay on alternative rock radio. Early releases focused on building their indie rock presence through limited-run vinyl and digital formats, while later singles often topped or charted highly on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, reflecting their commercial breakthrough. Certifications from the RIAA highlight enduring popularity, particularly for tracks tied to film soundtracks and radio hits.[95][96] The band's debut EP, Nature Bears a Vacuum, was released in 1999 on Omnibus Records as a 7-inch vinyl featuring raw, noise-influenced tracks like "Those Bold City Girls" and "Nature Bears a Vacuum," marking their transition from the project Flake Music.[97] In 2001, Sub Pop issued the self-titled EP The Shins, which previewed material from their debut album Oh, Inverted World and included early versions of "New Slang" and "Caring Is Creepy," helping establish their melodic indie pop sound. Additional EPs include the iTunes-exclusive Live Session EP in 2007, capturing live renditions from their Wincing the Night Away tour era, and the acoustic-focused Port of Morrow Acoustic EP in 2012, offering stripped-down takes on tracks from that album. The 2018 remix album The Worm's Heart, a "flipped" reimagining of Heartworms with reversed tracklisting and genre-shifting arrangements, functions as a companion EP-like release, featuring reworked versions such as "The Fear (Flipped)."[98] Notable singles span their career, with several gaining traction through radio, soundtracks, and streaming. "New Slang," released in 2001 from Oh, Inverted World, initially flew under the radar but surged in popularity after its inclusion in the 2004 film Garden State soundtrack, peaking at No. 74 on the UK Singles Chart and earning RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units in 2025.[96] "Caring Is Creepy," also from 2001 and featured in Garden State, became a signature track without major chart success but solidified their cult following. From Wincing the Night Away, "Phantom Limb" (2007) marked a commercial high, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and introducing a more polished production style. "Simple Song" (2012) from Port of Morrow similarly topped the Alternative Airplay chart at No. 1, serving as a triumphant return after lineup changes. Singles from Heartworms (2017) continued their chart presence, with "Name for You" peaking at No. 28 on Alternative Airplay and addressing social themes, while "Painting a Hole" and "Cherry Hearts" received digital releases emphasizing introspective lyrics. The 2018 release of The Worm's Heart served as a full companion project to Heartworms, led by the single "The Fear (Flipped)," which reinterprets earlier material in a psychedelic vein and charted modestly on alternative digital sales.[99] Other post-2017 singles include "The Great Divide" (2021), a standalone digital release exploring relational themes.
TitleRelease YearParent Album/EPNotable Chart Performance
New Slang2001Oh, Inverted WorldUK Singles No. 74 (2004 re-entry)
Caring Is Creepy2001Oh, Inverted WorldN/A (soundtrack-driven popularity)
Phantom Limb2007Wincing the Night AwayUS Alternative Airplay No. 1
Simple Song2012Port of MorrowUS Alternative Airplay No. 1; Belgium Ultratip No. 4
Name for You2017HeartwormsUS Alternative Airplay No. 28
Cherry Hearts2017HeartwormsN/A (digital single)
The Fear (Flipped)2018The Worm's HeartAlternative digital sales entry[99]

Recognition

Awards

The Shins have earned recognition primarily through sales certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and awards for their music videos. Their debut album Oh, Inverted World (2001) achieved platinum certification from the RIAA on May 23, 2023, signifying over 1,000,000 units shipped in the United States.[100] The follow-up Chutes Too Narrow (2003) received gold certification from the RIAA on August 19, 2016, for shipments exceeding 500,000 units.[101] Wincing the Night Away (2007) was certified platinum by the RIAA on February 21, 2025.[102] Several singles have also received RIAA certifications, including "New Slang" (gold, June 9, 2025), "Australia" (gold, April 12, 2023), "Caring Is Creepy" (gold, April 12, 2023), and "Phantom Limb" (gold, April 12, 2023).[103] In the realm of music videos, the band won the UK Music Video Award for Best International Video – Group in 2012 for "Simple Song," directed by Daniel Askill.[104] They also secured the Jury Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival's Music Video Competition in 2013 for the same video.[104]

Nominations

The Shins have received several notable award nominations throughout their career, primarily recognizing their album releases and music videos. Their most prominent nomination came from the Grammy Awards, highlighting their commercial breakthrough in the alternative rock genre.[5] In 2008, the band was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards for their third studio album, Wincing the Night Away, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification.[5] This nomination underscored the album's critical and commercial success, following its release on Columbia Records after the band's departure from Sub Pop.[1] Earlier, in 2007, The Shins led the nominations for the mtvU Woodie Awards, an accolade voted on by college students to honor emerging and innovative artists. They received three nods: Woodie of the Year (competing against artists like Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen), Alumni Woodie (recognizing established acts), and Viral Woodie for the music video of "Phantom Limb," the lead single from Wincing the Night Away.[105] Despite the strong showing, the band did not win any of these categories, with over 4.6 million votes cast overall.[106] These nominations reflected the band's growing popularity on college radio and online platforms during their 2007 tour.[107]
YearAwardCategoryWorkOutcome
2007mtvU Woodie AwardsWoodie of the YearThe ShinsNominated[105]
2007mtvU Woodie AwardsAlumni WoodieThe ShinsNominated[105]
2007mtvU Woodie AwardsViral Woodie"Phantom Limb" (music video)Nominated[105]
2008Grammy AwardsBest Alternative Music AlbumWincing the Night AwayNominated[5]

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  103. Marty Crandall Credits
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