The Shins are an American indie rock band founded and fronted by singer and guitar player James Mercer. The Shins were formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but are now based in Portland, Oregon. As of 2012, the band backing Mercer include singer/songwriter Richard Swift, Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer, Yuuki Matthews of Crystal Skulls and guitarist Jessica Dobson, who has performed as "Deep Sea Diver" and worked as a guitarist with Beck.