Ahh what the world really needs right now is a new Shins record. And according to James Mercer himself, that record is all done and dusted – and set for an “Early 2017” release.
Speaking on another one of those trusty US radio stations (KBOO 90.7), Mercer went into details about the next chapter for The Shins, following on 2012’s ‘Port Of Morrow’.
“I’m really excited about this record… I think we’ve got something that Shins fans will really love, and I think there’s some other things on there that are different enough,” commented Mercer.
“I made a concerted effort on certain songs to fit the palette, to use the palette that I’ve used historically for the band.
“I think it’s really strong. I think lyrically, I’m better than I ever was. And I think my songwriting is stronger than it ever was.”
The record, as yet untitled and produced entirely by the band themselves, will come after they return to UK shores – with a stand-alone show at London’s Village Underground on 2nd September and a headline slot at this year’s End Of The Road.
Check out the full interview below (Mercer starts talking at 21:19):