March 2012 release

Working with Burton on Broken Bells helped Mercer overcome fears of collaboration, which in turn influenced the rotating “cast of characters” that grouped together around him to record Port of Morrow , which became the fourth album under The Shins brand upon its March 2012 release. Mercer was the only original member. “I always loved these auteurs who presented themselves as bands”, Mercer later explained, referencing Neutral Milk Hotel and Lilys as examples, which led to him feeling as though he could pursue something similar, allowing the concept of The Shins to carry on. Producer Greg Kurstin had a particular influence on Port of Morrow , encouraging Mercer to experiment in the studio. Mercer began touring with an all new backing band, including fellow songwriters Jessica Dobson and Richard Swift , Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer, and Yuuki Matthews from the Crystal Skulls. Port of Morrow debuted at number three on the US chart, and lead single ” Simple Song ” represented the band’s best chart performance, peaking within the top 10 on the US Alternative Songs chart.