Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

New Mexico quartet The Shins, deliver their US representation of indie rock to our shores, with new album "Chutes Too Narrow", the follow up to 2001's "Inverted World." A bittersweet offering, full of turbulence and surrealism, it is indie rock experimented with and The Shins add another dimension to a genre thought forgotten. From the cynical "Kissing the Lipless" with it's husky melodic whispers, and contradicting emotional but tuneful screams, to the 60s tinged "So says I," The Shins show more diversity than an assorted biscuit tin at Christmas. With it's the beach boys similar vocals, and glimmer of The Coral's infectious ditties, "So Says I" is a carefree summery tune able to get anyone up dancing, whilst cleverly overcoming the need for cheesy lyrics to accommodate the summery feel. "Saint Simon" is a prime example of the lyrical mournfulness and often cynicism often emanated from the band

" The cruel uneventful state of apathy releases me,
I value them but I won't cry every time one's wiped out"

Despite the nonchalant sighs of "La da da dum, la da da da dum" to end, complacent The Shins are not, using creative metaphors to express meaningful messages and vivid feelings, the band adopts a unique Belle and Sebastian like approach, using words to tell a story in each song.

Not one to follow the crowd, "Gone for Good" is a reminder that the band hail from New Mexico, using western style acoustic guitars and envisioning a picture of a laid back working day in scorching hot fields. The Shins strip down their songs right to the bare minimum, and there is no need for futuristic fancy workings, alongside their ideas which shine intelligent humour, wryness, cynicism and sadness all in one, the band certainly has something to grab the listener.

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