By THEA CHARD
The Shins are the most unlikely of bands — an indie-pop group that has been on the alternative music radar since their first single in 1997. “Nature Bears A Vacuum.” Originally from Albuquerque, N.M., the band gained popularity with their second single “New Slang,” off their debut album “Oh, Inverted World,” released by Sub Pop Records in 2001. The Shins relocated to Portland, Ore. and later Seattle, Wash. where they released their second album “Chutes Too Narrow,” which was met with great fervor by followers of the group’s melodic sound. Their third album, “Wincing the Night Away,” was released in January of this year and it was the first Sub Pop release to enter the Top 10 Billboard charts, debuting at No. 2.
The album, which has been described as “the sound of a band growing up and out,” sold 118,000 copies during the first week. The Shins and special guest The Shaky Hands are playing on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Greek Theatre, located at 2700 N. Vermont. For more information go to www.GreekTheatreLA.com.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 5, 2007. Read the original PDF.