While there remains nothing concrete about a new Shins album to get too excited about yet, this year there have been many dribs and drabs filtering out suggesting the band’s fourth album is getting closer.
This time, we have Pitchfork reporting that James Mercer and band have struck a deal with Columbia Records to distribute the album, although the actual label it will be released on remains Mercer’s own imprint Aural Apothecary. The new album enjoys the services of producer Greg Kurstin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lily Allen, Dido, KT Tunstall, Kylie Minogue) and is due to be released some time next year.
In the mean time, the Shins have announced US tour dates, where new material will no doubt get an airing. Backing Mercer on this trip is the decidedly motley crew of acclaimed singer-songwriter Richard Swift, Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse and Yuuki Matthews of Crystal Skulls.
And here is Of Montreal covering Know Your Onion:
