'Caring Is Creepy. Love is The Shins.'
Sunday 25th September 2011
Bowery Ballroom, New York City
Anticipation was high in the Bowery Ballroom on Sunday, evident by the large numbers present for opening act Faces On Film. Hailing from Boston the 5 piece certainly proved themselves worthy of the slot by delivering a great set. A sultry blues sound coupled with Bossa Nova drum beats on opening tracks 'Moon's Row' and 'Knot in the Vine' paved the way for a substantial set. The frontman's crooning and intense vocals sound not unlike those of Jim James (My Morning Jacket) but the music is slightly less country orientated, featuring moody guitars, 60's influenced keys and stand out guitar breaks. A fine appetizer for what was to come.
Having been a long time fan of The Shins but never having seen them this show was always going to be special, and oh so special it was. With many original members no longer with the band I was slightly apprehensive to see what musical improvisations and alterations were to be made with the new line up. My worries were quashed within the first few chords.
Opening with the heartfelt 'Caring Is Creepy' and a cracking version of 'Australia' Mercer's signature vocals rang throughout the Bowery like a musical prophet addressing his loyal followers. The wall of sound created by droning guitars and fuzz bass during 'Pam Berry' lead into an astounding rendition of 'Phantom Limb' - definitely the sing-a-long favorite of the night as far as the crowd was concerned. Pure vocal harmonies were beautifully held by new guitarist Jessica Dobson on 'Saint Simon', her true talents and enthusiasm being ever present throughout the show - especially on the amazing 'Kissing the Lipless'. 'New Slang' was played with such passion and delicacy I may have shed a tear, followed by 'So Says I' played with such gusto it snapped the crowd well and truly out of it's previous New Slang love trance.
They also played 2 new tracks which were met with enthusiasm, both having a much rockier element with slight reggae beats and tones. The greatest surprise of the night was the encore which contained 2 covers - the first being David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes', and the second Pink Floyd's 'Breathe'. Both are extremely ambitious covers as far as any band is concerned but The Shins hit the mark and served the tracks well, making them their own while staying true to their musical mastery. In closing they left us with 'Sleeping Lessons', playing it so well one of my friends present on the night is now having an excerpt of the lyrics tattooed on her forearm.
Truth be told, I do wish I'd been quick enough in The Shins' heyday to catch the band in it's original form. Their songs are so intricate and personal it would have been a joy to witness those who created them performing them together. But the new band is nothing to sneeze at, featuring Ron Lewis (Grand Archives) on keys, Eric D Johnson (Fruit Bats) on bass and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) on drums. With the addition of Jessie Dobson on guitar and the powerful creative force that is James Mercer it's clear the songs are in more than capable hands, and their live shows most definitely do them justice.
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