Future Islands is a synth-pop outfit from North Carolina, and they have been making music since around 2006. Earlier in there discography they played much more lo-fi, spastic music that re lied less on instrumentation and more on their lead singer, Sam Herring, to do the heavy lifting. However, before I go on, I must say that over the last couple of years, ever since I heard their sophomore LP In Evening Air, I have been captivated by this band. This comes from the simple, yet dance-able beats, bouncy and often distorted bass lines, and the undeniable lead vocals. These vocals have been discussed time and time again, but they are just so singular that it is impossible not to make them the band's most notable feature.
That is how it was on the band's last LP On The Water since the instrumentation was more toned down and spacious, but with Singles, the band strives for a perfect balance of these two elements, and to me, they achieve it.
From the first track, the lead single "Seasons (Waiting On You)" it is evident that the move from KillJockey to 4AD has lead to a lot of refinement in the band's sound, with smooth instrumentation and Sam's voice resting in a perfect spot in the mix. Another gorgeous moment on this LP comes in the form of the lovelorn track "Sun In The Morning", which is a beautiful ode to being in love, something that Mr. Herring is entirely too good at doing.
The track "Doves" is a smooth and lighthearted little tune, with glistening synth keys playing away in the background, and the track "Lighthouse" features chiming guitar chords that perfectly compliment Sam Herring's more toned down performance.
If you are a fan of Future Islands, you may think that this LP is the start of Sam Herring toning down his voice and bringing a more mild-mannered attitude to the table... that is, until you listen to "Fall From Grace" which starts off pretty silky, until Sam brings the vocal barbwire to the table with screams that would put the best death-metal screamers to shame.
If I had to pick out a weaker moment the track "Like The Moon" would be it. It's not a bad song by any means, but it just doesn't resonate like some of the other tracks surrounding it. Also, maybe the LP could have use an other song or two, but this is just me wanting more from one of my favorite bands than an actual complaint
I have to say I'm very happy with what Future Islands did with their latest LP. They managed to progress their sound without removing any of the intensity, and they even managed to capture the attention of a larger audience through 4AD and their fantastic performance on Letterman. Simply wonderful.
9.4/10
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