The Shins – 'Australia' (Sub Pop) Released 09/04/07

While at times it might appear as though The Shins’ moonlighting career as Zach Braff’s Official Feelings Band has eclipsed their actual career, you can’t help wishing that they’d rebel properly. Instead it seems they’re saving up their best tunes for whatever indie shoegaze Braff and his cinematic gang decide to serve up next, which means we get the tedious dregs of The Shins’ creativity dished up as a single. 'Australia' bounces along in such a noddingly inoffensive way as to offend entirely, all sub-Death Cab platitudes and – O sweet inevitability! – a banjo nicked straight from Scrubs. While Mr Braff is probably quite pleased his pet sound haven't overexerted themeselves, it makes for something you could happily play to Ritalin kids to keep them in a state of slumber.