Singles

I've been wait on you, Mr. Herring. After 2011's "On the Water" having been my 2nd favorite album of that year (only Bon Iver, Bon Iver could top it, even if very slightly so), I could not have been in a bigger anticipation for this album. I had recently been losing faith in my favorite bands, who all seemed to kind of be losing that special something that made me fall in love... bands like Okkervil River, Frightened Rabbit, Band of Horses and many others had been lacking with their latest releases, in my personal opinion, of course.

But man, does Future Islands nail it again on their fourth album. I could not be happier with this, as it skyrockets to the number one spot of this year, and where it probably will stay through to the end. Starting off with the glorious "Seasons (Waiting on you)" it's impossible not to do your own crappy version of Sam's unique dance on Letterman. From there on it is a festival of amazing tracks, doing justice to the title "Singles".

I won't be the one to say that Future Islands are the last band to not be overtaken by the indie cynicism and shallowness, because there are lots of bands out there who still believe that what they are doing has a higher meaning, but few have the skill and raw power that Future Islands do. Proof of that is their shows, which I unfortunately still haven't had the opportunity to attend, but any video recording will be able to show all the emotion as it pours out from the screen to your bedroom. Sam is one of the most unique performance artists in rock today and all that make their music special is accentuated by his freewheeling and almost spiritual stage performances, at times singing in a high raspy voice or in a deep growl as if possessed.

Singles will make you dance, rock out and feel happy, but it also has the potential to render moments of deep introspection and pondering. This is music in it's increasingly rare form, and for that reason you should buy it and be generous with it as it is to you. Future Islands, seriously, thank you for this.

An incredible album. The songs are thoughtful, catchy, beautiful and emotive, and well-produced. There is a special chemistry about this band. Even though they are somewhat new (certainly new to the spotlight), their music comes to you fully formed, already great. Like an great band from the past that you've never actually listened to, and then finally get a chance to give your full attention and say, "this is why people love this band." You'll hear melodies you should have heard before but haven't yet. Samuel Herring has a great, gravelly, soulful voice; and he writes patient, thoughtful, direct lyrics. He has a lot of charisma and passion that will gain attention for his band's music. It has been a while since I've been so excited about a band that is just breaking through.

The album high point for me is "Back in the Tall Grass" - so good it sends chills down my spine, and a great vocal performance. Other highlights include the "Doves", a party jam with a dark streak, and "fall from grace", a fierce and beautiful attention grabber in the album's second half. And of course the now legendary album opener, "seasons."

I would lose your virginity to this. It's that powerful. I feel like if I listened to it for more than an hour I could reproduce asexually.

Great album. Put the machine on repeat. Bonus poetry; it has a booklet with the lyrics so you can get the real words to these songs (internet sites have some weird guesses).

future islands has always been a band that wears its heart on its sleeve. first worried that the move to 4ad might result in an over polished album but future islands proved me wrong with what i believe to be the strongest release to date. in the same way beach house's sound filled out after the addition of acoustic drums, the addition of a live drummer on this LP gives sam and the rest of the band the freedom to push the sound both sonically and emotionally to new levels. highly recommended.