The Shins Go Technicolor With Infectious ‘Heartworms’

Stephanie Hernandez

New Mexico indie icons The Shins have been expertly crafting their lovably eccentric tunes since the late 1990s. Though the group’s original lineup has fallen to the wayside since their landmark 2001 debut album, “Oh, Inverted World,”  singer-songwriter James Mercer is still very obviously standing at the helm of the ship. This playful, self-produced record (The Shins’ first release in five years), swirls together technicolor layers of lush synths for what very well may be the groups’ most forthcoming album yet. Mercer’s effervescent melodies quite easily sweep you away, the joys of his new parenthood infectiously taking over each of “Heartworms” eleven tracks. Returning to the success of their days as reigning kings of alt-pop, fans of previous triumphs like “The Rifle’s Spiral” and “Simple Song,” will find themselves falling in love with The Shins all over again.

Taking the opportunity to self-produce this album, it becomes quite clear why “Heartworms” sounds so genuinely joyous: James Mercer is back in the driver’s seat. Each track is expertly crafted, utilizing that Mercer je ne sais quoi to elicit feelings of both hope as well as nostalgia. The opener, “Name for You,” is a knockout. Filled with lyrics that sound like the Mercer confessions we have come to know and love on previous records, here The Shins’ classic ramblings get an update with a sprinkling of sonic salt and pepper. Then there’s the fresh folk guitars of “Mildenhall” –  a glimpse into Mercer’s real life experience as an army brat in England – and “Cherry Hearts,” a beautifully jilted New Wave serenade. The album’s closer, “The Fear,” feels fresh, with an almost Radiohead-esque edge to it. Its masterful use of repetition leaves the listener relaxed and satisfied. As “Heartworms” rolls through, it progressively becomes a sort of patchwork of all the sounds and small treasures The Shins have lovingly held onto from records past – leaving in its wake an album that will help shape the band’s identity as much as their four preceding oeuvres. It holds on to the special details old fans will be able to pick up and feel giddy about, while giving the new ones something to latch onto.

A true kaleidoscope, “Heartworms” may not be an earth-shattering release, but it definitely makes the case to be kept on replay for at least the next few months. Expansive in its scope, Mercer’s taking of the producer’s chair has served The Shins well. Its diversity doesn’t feel like a band confused, or lost, but merely a group who is able to display each of their facets confidently. “Heartworms” will no doubt go down as one of the band’s proudest moments.

“Heartworms” is available on Apple Music March 10.