Sophomore effort from one of the jewels in Sub Pop’s new crown, the Shins. Hailing from the American Northwest-via-Albuquerque, the band were hailed as the new Beach Boys after the release of their 2001 debut, ‘Oh, Inverted World’. Drenched in gorgeous melody and spectacular vocals the album was an underground hit and anticipation for their second effort hit fever pitch.

‘Chutes Too Narrow’ does not disappoint, more complex and intriguing but no less beautiful, it is the sound of a band believing their own hype and using it to their advantage. Singer, songwriter and all round lead-Shin, James Mercer, is a breathtaking talent. With a voice that has formidable range and a knack for melody that would make Brian Wilson blush, Mercer has ability to match any artist you care to mention.

Standout tracks include opener ‘Kissing The Lipless’ and the stunning ‘Saint Simon’, memorable tunes that send shivers of joy down your spine. ‘Chutes Too Narrow’ is a modern classic that should see the Shins enter a whole new stratosphere.