This Maryland-based trio takes an attack at the ever-growing indie-pop genre with a whole new angle. By pumping even more synth-based rhythms, a rocking bass line, and a unique voice that grows on you as you listen, Future Islands evokes the original synth pop-rock of the 80s in great fashion. Of these three, the voice of singer/songwriter Sam Herring definitely make the most impact on the band's sound. He sounds like the old pop singers from the 80s, and while at first it was weird to hear again, I absolutely love it now. The lyrics Herring writes are also very cool and well thought out. Song topics range from the ever present theme of love to a song remembering his passed grandfather. While Future Islands has the structure to be similar to an 80s pop band, the general tone of the band is a lot more somber, making their tracks more suitable for hanging out and relaxing than getting pumped for a party. Future Islands currently has four full albums published under various label names, with the latest being Singles, released this March. Singles is definitely my favorite album of the four, so it will definitely secure a seat in my Top Ten Albums of 2014, when I compile that list at the end of the year. Here are some of my favorite songs by them.
Seasons (Waiting On You) (3:46)
As shown on their TV-debut on Letterman, Seasons is their most popular song currently. It takes that 80s style to the max as Herring grooves and dances around. What I like the most about this video is it showcases his awesome singing and shows his talent. He sounds almost the same live as recorded, and I deeply respect that.
Doves (3:28)
The first song I heard by Future Islands also happens to be my favorite. Doves exemplifies what drew me to the band; the catchy synth harmonies, the awesome bass line, and of course Herrings awesome vocals. When he hits those high notes in the bridge, it gives me chills.
The Great Fire (3:15)
The Great Fire shows the more somber side of Future Islands. They bring in the fantastic vocals of Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak to mesh with Herrings vocals to add extra effect of their somber tone. Combined with the awesome instrumental backing, Future Islands created a very quality track to be heard and appreciated.
To me, Future Islands taught me to always give new music a second chance. Had I just glossed over them, only hearing their uniqueness as weird, I would have one less awesome band to listen to today. Keep that in mind when you find new music. If it really is new to you, it shouldn't just be a carbon copy of the music you already like. New music should bring exactly what it describes in its title: something new, something different. If you can't look past the differences, then what's the point of even trying to find new music? Let me know what you think in the comments.
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