James Mercer was relatively unknown when Oh, Inverted World dropped over 15 years ago. That was before it was discovered by his now-aging audience, and before it became one of the most important indie rock albums of the noughties. Mercer is now back with The Shins’ fifth record, but his only other self-produced and -recorded work, Heartworms. It’s fitting then, that a talented but unknown newcomer named Angie McMahon was selected for the support slot.
Playing as a simple three-piece (with a drummer and bassist), McMahon takes to a dimly-lit stage and sings songs about pasta, food comas, love and shitty first dates – the growing crowd digs it. Her accent, vernacular and image scream “Melbourne”, and it’s excellent. The best part about McMahon’s performance is her simply amazing deep and crooning voice, but she also boasts an impressive range. It’s hard not to imagine a bright future ahead for the 2017 Josh Pyke Partnership winner.
James Mercer arrives on stage to face a very full, very excited room. He kicks off with a combo of ‘Caring Is Creepy’ and ‘Australia’, and, with his new band in tow, stays on stage for a surprisingly energetic 90 minutes of straight (great) music and no chatter.
James Mercer is a fucking talented musician.
The show is complemented by a stellar lighting display and a cool fluro skull backdrop (inspired by the Heartworms album art) that changes colours with lights.
It’s been about five years since the Shins last toured (for Port Of Morrow), and the audience is treated to songs from across their career. Although this is very much the James Mercer show, the handful of new songs he plays are peppered in among hits from Chutes Too Narrow, Wincing The Night Away and Port Of Morrow. As for Mercer’s other self-produced work Oh, Inverted World, only ‘Caring Is Creepy’ and ‘New Slang’ are played, the latter appearing in the three-song encore (‘The Fear, ‘New Slang’ for a ‘Sleeping Lessons’ finish).
The show culminates in a heartfelt rendition of ‘Mildenhall’ (featuring two of Mercer’s band on violins), which leads straight into a showstopping ‘Saint Simon’. The audience loves every minute. Mercer is also clearly having a great time too. High energy radiates through his band and the crowd. The floor of the Enmore is (literally) moving for the whole show – even the slower songs. A dedicated group of punters sing along to every word.
All in all, the clear takeaway is this: James Mercer is a fucking talented musician.
For more Shins-erific content, read our interview with the band here.
