Scoop Review: The Shins at the Civic, 31st July 07

Despite forgetting the lyrics of the opening song ‘A Comet Appears’, twice, the Shins bittersweet flavour of American indie-pop won the crowd times over at the Civic Theatre in Christchurch.

The opening act, Auckland’s the Ruby Suns, were well matched by organisers and set the pace and taste of what was to follow. Although the majority of the crowd was uncultured in the musical treats the band sweetly executed (myself included), their “musical chairs” approach, with all band members playing each others instruments, kept the crowd in tow.

After the initial blunder, followed by the exclamation “to many fucking lyrics”, Shins front man James Mercer decided to change the set list, playing the opening song in its entirety later in the set.

Although being the world’s most unassuming band in nature and stature, headed by the world’s most sleep deprived front man, the New Mexico quartet (plus a touring guitarist), the Shins demanded attention with their eclectic set. A set list mainly dominated by songs of their most recent album, Wincing the Night Away, was littered with the cult hits from previous albums including ‘When You Notice the Stripes’, ‘Caring is Creepy’ and ‘Gone for Good’, to name just a few.

The weedy man in front of me who informed me that I was “pushing him too much” was an anomaly it seems, with the “rowdy” crowd enjoying the bands bouncier songs far greater -‘Kissing the Lipless’ being a crowd favourite. Another notable was the opening track off the new album, ‘Sleeping Lessons’, with the intoxicating build up leaving the crowd gasping for more.

Ending the mammoth 20-song set with ‘So Says I’, I thought that any Shins fan would feel satisfied. Apparently not. The crowds insistent chant of “encore” saw the band drag their heels back onto the stage and perform three additional songs, Pink Floyds ‘Speak to Me’ included.

Those who went got their $67 entry fee paid back in dividends -tenfold, whilst those who missed out should desperately contemplate catching the next flight to Auckland to catch the Shins second and final New Zealand show at the Powerstation tonight. Believe the hype, they are that good.

Also see the Scoop review of The Shins at the Kings Arms in 2005

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