Future Islands – The Concordian

While the Baltimore band’s latest LP might retread themes and sounds found on their past records, it can’t take away from just how good it is.

For many groups, getting too comfortable in their sound can become a massive detriment, with stagnancy causing their music to become stale and forgettable. For Future Islands, nestling cozily into their comfort zone has allowed them to continue to thrive, and As Long As You Are is proof of that.

Since the release of 2014’s Singles, the Baltimore-based outfit have become more and more at home in their unique, signature blend of new wave and synth-pop elements. It’s a comfort that allows singer-songwriter Samuel T. Herring the space to write and perform his extremely self-aware and introspective lyrics in an emotionally resonant manner.

It’s for these reasons that As Long As You Are shines brightest when Herring is at his most vulnerable and open. Through his potent lyrics and powerful vocal delivery, he showcases an ability to capture and convey a depth of human emotion in an absolutely marvellous way.

Paired with the band’s synth-heavy sound, the stark contrast between the lyrical content and the music’s upbeat nature makes nearly every song a completely captivating listen from the very first track, “Glada.” The track opens with gorgeous chords and sounds of flocking birds, immediately giving the track texture, and the feeling of a fresh start. It leads perfectly into Herring’s verse, as he poetically weaves together imagery of spring’s beginnings with lyrics of a newfound romance.

“City’s Face” is another standout moment on the album, as Herring revisits an old relationship, and the toll it took on him mentally. He sings about how things ended between himself and his estranged partner, and the sense of paranoia and dread he feels maneuvering through his city as a result. As he laments on their lost love and his mental anguish, he notes how strange it is that “a person can change a city’s face.”

There are many other standouts within the tracklist as well. Specifically, the run from “Plastic Beach” to “Thrill” features some of Herring’s most acutely self-aware songwriting to date, exploring his insecurities, depression and struggles with substance abuse.

These moments of reflection build up to “Hit the Coast,” the album’s finale and moment of relief. The track features Herring anthemically singing about packing all of his belongings into a car and escaping from all of the troubles that are plaguing his life. It’s an extremely fitting closer to an album that delves so deeply into Herring’s personal struggles.

As Long As You Are doesn’t bring anything new to the table for Future Islands, but it didn’t need to. The comfort they have found in their signature sound has given them the ability to excellently execute their vision and deliver extremely moving work. This may not be the band’s best album, but it is another extremely enjoyable and emotionally impactful entry in their catalogue.

Rating 8.5/10

Trial Track: For Sure

The band was adored by the crowd and mirrored that energy right back at them

On Sept. 2, at the ever-popular Metropolis Theatre, Baltimore’s own Future Islands returned to Montreal on their tour for their fourth full-length album, titled Singles. Regular Montreal music fixture, Dan Boeckner, opened the show with his new band, Operators– their debut EP, EP1, was recently released.

Playing Metropolis for the first time ever, lead vocalist for Future Islands, Sam Herring, announced, “We moved [venues] hoping to fill out the space.” The crowd in Metropolis clearly proved this was no problem and that the fan base had grown immensely since Future Islands’ first Montreal show six years before.

As they opened with their peppy “Back in the Tall Grass,” there was an immediate burst of energy and a liveliness emanating from the stage. Although stating he had been battling throat issues for the past several weeks, Herring sounded more powerful than ever; his growling vocals igniting the crowd. Known for his charismatic stage presence, he became more active and theatrical as the set went on. In one instant his hips were gyrating on stage and then he passionately pounded his chest with his fist like a king of the jungle. In the next song, he would change the pace and sink down to the ground. Rising from the floor, he slowly gazed upwards. While still singing, the musician appeared to have tears streaming down his face – but that could have been sweat – it was difficult to tell. Either way, Herring, along with his bandmates, consistently demonstrated pure passion for their music.

The set mixed both old and new tracks, including past favourites like “Before the Bridge” and “Tin Man” to the crowd’s delight. Then, from the more recent Singles came the hit “Seasons (Waiting on you)” which prompted a surprise cameo from Win Butler, lead singer of Arcade Fire. A few missed greats from Singles were “Doves” and “Like the Moon,” but overall the selected tracks melded together for an outstanding show.

Just before the last song of the set, Herring yelled, “This is it, baby! Let’s have some fucking fun!” He returned to the stage – after a quick shirt change – for a four song encore. Enticing the band to deliver an encore required much foot stomping and commotion from the crowd. The band played an audience requested oldie, “Beach Foam.” Described as the first song ever written by Future Islands back in 2006, before they even had a band name, “Beach Foam” brought back waves of nostalgia, particularly for those who were long time followers of the band. For the finale, Herring wished everyone sweet dreams, and they played the beautiful soft track “Little Dreamer” to wrap things up.

With the profuse gratitude and appreciation directed towards the Montreal fans from this fabulous band, it is only right to finish off by expressing the sincerest thank you to Future Islands.