James Mercer is one of the finest indiepop songwriters in operation today, but his early material, released under Flake Music, has hitherto been reduced to a footnote in the story of The Shins.
Now re-released, Mercer's burgeoning pop nous and penchant for a wordy lyric sheet is audible on many of this full-length debut, particularly the perky Spanway Hits.
These tracks are undeniably rough around the edges, but several are also surprisingly heavy. Deluca’s grungey guitars might pass for something from the poppier end of the Smashing Pumpkins catalogue, while the fuzzy grunge of Structo sounds like Weezer-lite.
It’s all a little bit swoonsome, unfocused and not quite essential listening, but Shins fans will enjoy this mostly charming blast from the past.
