When I first watched Future Islands on “The Late Show with David Letterman” earlier in March, I was somewhat skeptical, and I felt a little out of place. Here was a four-person Indie Pop band led by what appeared to be an older looking man with a receding hairline, who was dancing and throwing himself accross the stage. Prior to this, I did not know about this band, so I had no idea of what to expect. However, once I started listening to the performance of their track, “Seasons (Waiting On You)” off of their newest album titled, Singles, I was instantly blown away. Their performance came with such “pop” and such energy that I almost wished I could be on stage with them. I felt instantly attracted to this band, and I knew I had to listen to more of this new album.
“Seasons (Waiting on You)” was the perfect way for Future Islands to open up their fourth studio album. This song is full of elements of snythpop, but packs in strong guitar and drum performances that sound very similar to the work of California Indie Pop band Foster the People. The lyrics speak of the contrast between seasons changing and a desire for someone to stay the same, and are perfectly portrayed by lead singer Samuel T. Herring. The emotions he brings to this song, through the swift changes in the tone of his voice, to even the section where he starts going full-out Louis Armstrong-raspy with his voice, bring so much emotion to this incredible opening track.
Other songs on this album make the album truly worthwile. Tracks like, “Spirit” and “Light House” are full of up-tempo beats and dreamy pop effects that you can imagine will have Herring going off on when performing these songs live. “Fall From Grace” has such an eerie, dark tone that it sounds exactly like what the title suggests. The album’s final track, “A Dream of You and Me” concludes the album on a similar note that “Seasons” did in starting off the album. The strong prescense of heavy guitar, along with Herring’s powerful, deep voice, make this track sound somewhat like Coldplay was putting out years ago.
When Future Islands was given a chance to perform on Letterman, they knew this could be make or break. The band fully displays what a combination of Indie Pop infused with heavy, raspy vocals, along with an energetic and passionate yet partially-balding leadman can do to make a beautiful sound. “Singles” is absolutely worth your time.