The Shins
Wincing the rain away
The Shins played my first official "wet" show Sunday afternoon at the White Stage.
The rain came down in wisps and mists at first, leaving people wondering through the first songs if a downpour was approaching. Raincoats and hats kept people dry, and swaying bodies and boots mixed the dirt and the rain in time to the jangly pop coming from the stage.
James Russell Mercer instructed the crowd we weren't "obliged to swallow anything you despise," as the band made it's way through "Sleeping Lessons" and many others from their latest album WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY. Fans of the portland group's popular previous albums OH, INVERTED WORLD and CHUTES TOO NARROW weren't disappointed, either. Little cheers went up along with GoreTex(TM) arms as they unpacked some favorites from their roadcase; namely the airy, catchy "Turn A Square" and the lilting harmonies of "St. Simon".
The rain had stopped for a brief period, but by the time the band broke into "Gone For Good" it was back and heavier than before. With it came a little chill that people tried to shake off by dancing and singing away. A little rain, though, wasn't going to stop the assembled from enjoying a near hour long set crammed with good indie rock gems.
The brooding clouds and dark sky were apropos for the band as they worked into a cover of Pink Floyd's "Breathe In the Air", before closing out their set. A fitting way to segue into the rest of a dark afternoon. The crowd wasn't complaining at all, they were just breathing it in.
Reported by Jeff (2007.07.29 / 17:36)
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