Despite breaking Sub Pop records by debuting at the #2 slot last year with Wincing the Night Away, The Shins are feeling the new media nervousnes, and will be releasing their next album on Aural Apothecary, the label of their own James Mercer. This doesn't mean an end to their relationship with Sub Pop. The arrangement will be "more of a [pressing and distribution] deal than a traditional record deal" according to Ian Montone.

Montone also made sure to note that Sub Pop has "done a remarkable job with the band and have a great staff of people who really love music," and that there could still have some sort of distribution deal with Sub Pop, be it digita release or a joint marketing venture. Still, nothing's in black and white, an it has to be a blow to Sub Pop to see one their most popular bands ever leave the label on the eve of their 20th anniversary. [Billboard]