Page "The Shins" Paragraph 4

In 1997, Mercer began writing what would eventually become The Shins ' first record.

Flake Music came to an end around this time leaving Mercer with an opportunity to record, " Nature Bears A Vacuum " a 7 " EP released by Omnibus Records.

For their earliest shows, The Shins performed as a duo with Mercer recruiting Sandoval to play drums.

" Nature Bears A Vacuum " was released with no expectations of expanding the band's following beyond Albuquerque.

However, the single generated enough attention that Mercer felt it necessary to assemble a full band.

Martin Crandall was brought in fold on keyboards, and Dave Hernandez ( frontman of local punk legends Scared of Chaka, which had played dozens of shows with Flake Music ) on bass.