Future Islands the Baltimore trio, comprised of Samuel T. Herring, J. Gerrit Welmers, and Willaim Cashion have been stirring up quite the buzz lately and for good reason. After being well respected in the indie world for the past 5 years or so, the group recently decided to venture on to their TV debut for Letterman to perform “Seasons”, which evoked one of the best responses that David Letterman has ever given (and he is a man known for his wacky responses to musical guests). It’s obvious to see why he enjoyed it too: vocalist Samuel T. Herring’s jarring stage presence was completely gripping. Even if the perfromance were to be played without sound it would appear as if Herring were the most intense motivational speaker you’ve ever seen. Though his performance likely made some people feel uncomfortable, the majority seemed to feel the exact opposite, finding solace in Herring’s complete confidence and sincerity. This powerful presence is felt throughout the entirety of Future Islands newest release, Singles, which is this trio’s strongest, most focused, and hardest hitting album yet.
Singles takes every element that Future Islands have previously displayed, shimmery synths, steadily picked guitar and bass patterns, gentle beats, and Herring’s bellowing vocals; but packages it all more dense than ever before. Every song on Singles has the chance to infect you with some of Herring’s singnature dance moves. That’s not to say that every track on Singles is upbeat; this LP does house some slow-burners, but even still, on songs like “A Song For Our Grandfathers” it’s hard to deny a strong groove. Cashion’s bass playing and Welmer’s synth lines are working at a faster pace than usual on Singles, which gives Herring the perfect outlet for his powerfully emotional crooning. It’s a record that steps forward while still not forgetting what made their past releases great.
Herring’s lyrics on Singles, much like on past Future Islands record’s deal with relationships and belonging, but his emotions shine through brighter than ever before. From the melancholic cries in “Light House” to the demonic scream displayed in “Fall From Grace”, his trials through love are made visible on Singles. Perhaps it has something to do with Herring’s solo project Hemlock Ernst, but his delivery of the lyrics is very poetic this time around. The lines in these songs flow perfectly, taking charge over whatever instrumental Cashion and Welmer lay down – “All that glitters is gold / don’t believe what you’ve been told”. Herring’s voice is so demanding of your attention on tracks like “Sun In The Morning” , while “Back In The Tall Grass” sees Herring at his calmest, and even still his deep croons manage to infect you.
This synth-pop trio have crafted something truly unique with Singles. It’s an album that pays homage to disco-pop while infusing elements of indie rock, all stamped with Herring’s unmistakable vocal presence. It all depends on how each person receives the music, it’s as likely to make you dance as it is to make you cry, and this mix is uniquely Future Islands. Much like the cover art for Singles, which sees Future Isalnds stray from their typical abstract painting style, the band has changed gears this time around. Singles is punchy, catchy, groovy and totally sincere, making it one of the most gripping listens all year, and one that I won’t be taking my hands off for a while.
Rating: 4.2/5