Maybe it’s my affinity for new wave bands such as A Flock of Seagulls or maybe it’s my love for all the great things that are affiliated with Wham City- But I really enjoy this album.
Originally formed in North Carolina before relocating to Baltimore, Future islands brings a unique sound to their new album out from Thrill Jockey.
It is refreshing to hear a new take on this genre of music that hasn’t already been played out in recent years. While it is based on the same sound as the new wave bands of the past, Future Islands brings a post-punk edginess and lyrical darkness to the energetic dance beats of the genre. They take the new wave aesthetic and infuse their own brand of heat wrenching dramatics.
The vocalist’s (Sam Herring) raspy voice adds a seriousness to the feelings the lyrics are trying to convey. Whether it’s his sharp sound in Long Flight or the grandiose delivery in Vireo’s Eye Sam’s voice adds a dynamic to the sound that has the ability to further engage the listener to lyrics in which they can already relate.
The album starts and ends strong. The driving beats of Walking Through That Door slowly fade into the middle of the album with songs like An Apology and the instrumental title track In Evening Air which slow the tempo only to return with intensity in songs like the cinematic Vireo’s Eye. It’s a complete work that accomplishes what it sets out to do- have a sound that may seem familiar yet takes it to a new place others haven’t.
I recently saw Future Islands perform at 529 in Atlanta and I highly recommend catching a live show from these guys if they pass through your town. Their seemly simple sound gains complexity when seen live and the front man knows how to work a crowd. They made the small venue feel ten times larger with the large sound and really held the attention of the entire crowd, which would often melt into one dancing mass during the faster songs. Sam’s extreme intensity brings to mind an actor in a Greek tragedy illustrating each lyric to the songs. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a group with connections to Wham City, having first seen the members of Future Islands perform as part of Dan Deacon’s wild ensemble tour.
This album is emotional, dark, and tragic and yet is still fun and danceable. I am looking forward to hearing more from these guys.
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