THE SHINS***image1***
Wincing the Night Away
Sub Pop
The boys from Albuquerque offer a third and not-so-typical departure from their adventuresome origins.
Wincing the Night Away
is an approachable gesture relying on their proven strengths with a handful of good surprises. The LP, with its thematic introspection, unfolds another plateau the band has reached since steadily climbing onto the hipster cross hairs, and one that will aid in the
Garden State
pelt-shedding necessary to recognize their true abilities. The songwriting intersects between a maturing band conscious of its public persona and the consequences of fame-without the Eddie Vedder whine-fest, a supposed rite of passage for lesser talents who keep finding ways to celebrate audible grievances with little musical substance.
Wincing
skirts away from these low premises by admitting to their uncomfortable and superimposed postures reminiscent of the martyrdom Kerouac drank to avoid. The songs "Sea Legs" and "Phantom Limb" are lucid, tonally beautiful and thoughtful characters in a story that will make you glad to slow down and listen.
