The Shins deliver the goods.
Sometimes there seems to be a feeling that as an indie fan one is obliged to list The Shins as a favourite band and, like Natalie Portman's character in 'Garden State' believe that hearing just one song of theirs will 'change your life, I swear' (unless you are indier than indie and think that their popularlity undermines their credibility, of course). Aside from all these surface considerations however lies a musically talented band who know how to persuade guitars to bounce and deliver vocals of a style that is both happy and melancholy.
'Australia' is a fine, 60s-tinged, example of what The Shins do best - unlike some of their slower songs it does not fade into the background; although you might find it hard to remember the tune once it is over. Overrated and over-commercial The Shins may be at times, but 'Australia' delivers genuine jangly indie pop, and is a tempting invite to their most recent album release 'Wincing The Night Away'.