THE SHINS
Chutes Too Narrow (Sub Pop)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

---

Walking into an ordinary University District cafe during the summer of 2001 was a transforming experience for me. It wasn't an extraordinary latte or pastry - it might not have even been an extraordinary climate - but it was as an astounding introduction to the Shins, a meeting that re-channeled my musical interests at the time. I was in a funk, having bought and heard nothing new, and one single verse of "New Slang" brought me back to an almost adolescent enthusiasm for pop rock. As a slathering acolyte to the album Oh, Inverted World I knew every chord, word and crackle over its 33 minutes and was hungry for more when Sub Pop records announced something new.

The songs on Chutes Too Narrow are more diverse, but lack the overt darkness of tone and lifestyle that prevailed on Oh, Inverted World. There are more giddy and flighty songs like "Fighting In a Sack" and "Kissing the Lipless." Sure, James Mercer still pens a good thinker ("Pink Bullets") but overall, this one seems more inclined to play than it is to ponder. He is a wonderful leader, with songwriting traits peculiar to him and a voice, distinct like Frank Black. Only Mercer could write and deliver the wonderful "Mine's Not a High Horse" but it isn't a galvanizing song like most everything from their previous work. Perhaps I am being hard on Chutes Too Narrow for the simple fact that no single song quite matches "New Slang," one of the greatest rock tunes in recent memory. Time will tell the truth behind my skepticism, but I can assure readers that this disc will receive repeated listens until the moment of my informed decision.

While Oh, Inverted World was an indie rock coup, the early returns on Chutes Too Narrow tell fans that the Shins are not resting on their laurels -- quite the opposite. These darlings still blend unique British invasion flavor with post punk stock, with a sufficient dash of subtle wit.

© 2004 - Erick Mertz