Future Islands - The Far Field (4AD, 2017)

Future Islands
The Far Field
4AD
2017

Rating: 8 tragic publicists out of 10

My first thought was "This new Future Islands record is really good, I should write about it on my stupid website."

My second thought was "It's good, but it basically sounds exactly like everything they've released since 'In Evening Air'."

My third thought was "Who gives a shit?  Why would you be upset that they made more songs that sound like songs you already love?"

My fourth thought was "You're right, me.  Who gives a shit indeed.  This is awesome, and I'm probably going to listen to it a ton."

And then my final thought was "The last thing anyone needs is a doofus like me writing about this new Future Islands record."

Future Islands - The Chase 7'' (4AD, 2015)

Future Islands
The Chase 7''
4AD
2015

Rating: 8 cement bells out of 10

As near as my brain can figure, this is the first release by Future Islands since they done blown the fuck up.  And as much as it sucks that I no longer get to see them play in small venues multiple times a year, I'm glad for them - they deserve all the success they get.  Certainly no complaints here with theese new songs - both tracks on this seven inch measure up to the high bar these guys set with their last few records, and fame doesn't seem to have messed with their creative process.  Title track "The Chase" starts off with a very Kraftwerk-like keyboard line, but then quickly goes down the path already well worn by the band - I'm guessing this track is already a favorite at their live shows.  The b-side "Haunted By You" is a little mellower but no less enjoyable - it's like you can see lead singer Sam Herring emoting with his hands through the music, grasping at the air like a high school drama teacher performing Hamlet.  My only worry about these two songs is they'll get "lost," having not been put on a proper full-length - because both are certainly worthy. 

Future Islands - Singles (4AD, 2014)

Future Islands
Singles
4AD
2014

Rating: 9 tin whistles out of 10

As with all Future Islands records so far, the question isn't will it be one of my favorite records of the year, it's how high on my list will it finish.  What I'm saying is, I'm a big fan, and this new outing "Singles" only further solidifies that position.  Their last record "On the Water" was fantastic though a bit subdued.  This new one is more in line with 2010's "In Evening Air" - upbeat, catchy, and full of songs that sound like hit singles to me.  Hey, maybe that's why they named it "Singles"!  Yes, I'm brilliant as you can tell.  There's truly not a weak link here..."Doves" should be a hot dance floor jam; album opener "Seasons (Waiting On You)" is the obvious choice for a lead single; "A Song for Our Grandfathers" is a top tits slow jam; and on and on and on...I can't even quantify how much I'm going to listen to this record going forward. 

You know what, I've never said a word about what this band sounds like, assuming everyone already knows.  Given their connection and popularity in the area I'm from, this is an understandable mistake.  The best descriptor I've got is "dramatic, dark electro-pop." I've heard more than a few people compare them to Erasure, though the vocals are much deeper, like Ian Curtis crossed with an art school drama teacher.  Or as my lady refers to him, the singing Count from "Sesame Street."  I have no idea what she is talking about as he doesn't have an accent and I don't think she's on drugs.

Future Islands & Ed Schrader's Music Beat - LAMC Vol. 2 7'' (Famous Class, 2012)

Future Islands & Ed Schrader's Music Beat

LAMC Vol. 2 7''

Famous Class

2012

Rating: 7.5 world news agencies out of 10

The two best things about the Baltimore music scene have put their powers together like Wonder Twins Zan & Jayna and given the world a fantastic seven inch.  The way these LAMC releases work is they get a band to record a new song for them, and then that band picks someone they think are an up-and-comer and have them record the b-side.  It's no great surprise that Future Islands would pick Ed Schrader's Music Beat since the Islands take them along as openers on nearly every one of their tours.   

Anyways, the music is what is important here, and all tracks get a thumbs up from me.  Future Islands give us "Cotton Flower," a very strong entry into their canon that I plan to listen to a bunch more times.  This band just keeps getting stronger and stronger.  ESMB gives us two short songs on the flip, both slow-to-mid-tempo numbers that cover such topics as britches and transvestites.  These songs aren't going to change their love-them-or-hate-them image, but since I'm firmly in the love camp it's more greatness to me.  Definitely a seven inch worth seeking out, and most likely limited so don't sleep on it.  

Future Islands - On The Water (Thrill Jockey, 2011)

Future Islands

On The Water

Thrill Jockey

2011

Rating: 7.5 New Balance sneakers out of 10

It didn't seem to take too long for Future Islands to go from a relatively obscure local band to filling up pretty big clubs every night.  Turns out you can still build a buzz and a larger fan base with constant touring and releasing one good record after another.  

Last year's "In Evening Air" was indisputably my favorite album on the year, so it only seems natural that any follow-up by the band would have to be a letdown.  And, technically, this album fits that description, but that isn't to say it isn't still a damn good record.  There may be no single song as powerful as "Tin Man" here, but "Before The Bridge" and "Give Us The Wind" and "Balance" are all scorchers, and there ain't a bad track in the set.  Perhaps it comes from some of the band members growing up on the coast, but I get a heavy "sea side" vibe from this record.  And I'm not talking summertime fun-in-the-sun beach antics...more like off-season, when it's cold and dreary and you have the pier and everything else to yourself.  Not sure that makes sense, but that's the vibe I'm getting.  And it's a great vibe to get sometimes.  

As a side note, this record makes a great companion when driving through the sparsely populated stretch of I-95 between Rocky Mount and Richmond on a brisk fall day. 

Future Islands - Before the Bridge 7" (Thrill Jockey, 2011)

Future Islands 

Before the Bridge 7"

Thrill Jockey

2011

Rating: 7 island dwellers out of 10

I know Future Islands live in Baltimore, but they are here so damn often they feel like a local band.  So their success feels like a local band done good, which is a little extra bonus to them already being a kick-ass band. 

This 7" is the first single from their new album due out in October called "On the Water", and it totally smokes - both the title track on the A-side and the B-side "Find Love" (which will not be on the album).   Both songs are very much like the material on their last record, equal parts cold and endearing, like a hug from a cyborg.  Apparently the physical version of this sold out quickly, and they recently packed the rather large Lincoln Theatre here in the Triangle, so catch these kids now before they graduate to some huge venue with expensive tickets and you have to lie about seeing them before they exploded.