User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

On the Water
by
On the Water Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

  • Summary: Produced by Chester Endersby Gwazda, the second album for the trio features cello, marimba, and violin instrumentation.
Buy Now
Buy on

Top Track

Balance
You can clean around the wound But if you want it to heal It just takes time And you can call up to the moon But if you want something to... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List ยป
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The A.V. Club
    Oct 11, 2011
    91
    The record is sweetly evocative, swathed in meditative rhythms and lighthearted melodies.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 10, 2011
    90
    Now, on On the Water, they've paced themselves, slowed down the tempos, and left room for ambience, such that the album's fevered points hit much more poignantly.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    Oct 10, 2011
    80
    Water is leagues more mature than last year's In Evening Air--the production more robust, the lyrics more evocative of people who've been around long enough to know what's worth lamenting.
  4. Q Magazine
    Nov 8, 2011
    80
    It's heavy stuff, and there is a real rawness at the heart of standouts Where I Found You, Before The Bridge, Give Us The Wind and The Great Fire - all a little hard to swallow at first, but ultimately quite remarkable. [Nov. 2011, p. 128]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Pitchfork
    Oct 10, 2011
    77
    Though treading familiar sonic and thematic waters at the start, On the Water really comes alive midway through.
  6. No Ripcord
    Nov 17, 2011
    70
    On The Water relies less on the vocals than its predecessor. The music is more robust, adding more layers than the minimalism of before.
  7. Uncut
    Oct 18, 2011
    60
    The Trio's third album is similarly, unconventionally earnest, often doing for the New Romantics when Gayngs did for 10cc. [Nov 2011, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. electriclight41
    May 30, 2013
    10
    In between listening to the first album from Future Islands and this endeavor, I had the privilege of attending one of their concerts. I wasIn between listening to the first album from Future Islands and this endeavor, I had the privilege of attending one of their concerts. I was blown away by the passion and intimacy of the performance (especially by Samuel T. Herring). I was able to meet all of the band members, which created a more concrete bond between me and their music.

    They were already my favorite band of all time by then, of course, but this album further solidified my opinion. Amidst rumors that "On the Water" was going to be a slower-paced version of "In Evening Air," I was a bit hesitant that I'd like it as much. Fortunately, it was more finely tuned, personal and optimistic than I anticipated. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but mine are probably "Balance," "Before the Bridge" and "Give Us the Wind" (though "Where I Found You" is equally as impressive and heart-crushing).

    I often go back and listen to some of the earlier Future Islands and Art Lord records, but when I listen to one of the songs from this album again, it reminds me how finely tuned their music is now. I can't wait for the next one.    … Expand
  2. impudence
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    Future islands is hands down my favorite band of 2011. Lead singer Sam Herring's voice is amazing, it regularly reminds me of the cowardlyFuture islands is hands down my favorite band of 2011. Lead singer Sam Herring's voice is amazing, it regularly reminds me of the cowardly lion (but in a good way). As a child of the eighties any band that labels itself post wave is a-ok in my book. Give them a listen!… Expand
  4. jraedisch
    Oct 13, 2011
    9
    Future Islands is definitively one of the best live bands I have seen recently, and "On the Water" is an amazing album that finally capturesFuture Islands is definitively one of the best live bands I have seen recently, and "On the Water" is an amazing album that finally captures their spirit. I just wish "In Evening Air" would have been recorded in the same quality.… Expand
  5. RickFlairbombed
    Oct 14, 2011
    8
    Really enjoyable album, it may have staled a bit on the 6th, 7th listen, but I enjoy more than "In Evening Air." The songs are more developed,Really enjoyable album, it may have staled a bit on the 6th, 7th listen, but I enjoy more than "In Evening Air." The songs are more developed, and there's more variety here than it's predecessor. It seems like the vocals are not as strong as In Evening Air, but the music definitely compensates. I'ts more subdued, but more powerful IMO. Right now, in my top 5 albums of the year. I am not particularly 80's nostalgic, but the band feels a bit like New Order with a much better singer. Can't wait to see them live!… Collapse

Related Articles

  1. Music

    October's Best New Music

    October's Best New Music Image
    Published: November 1, 2011
    Last month's best new albums include the latest from Tom Waits, Russian Circles, The Field, and more. Get the full list inside, where you can find out more about each LP, listen to a track from each one, and get links to stream the full albums at Spotify.
    More »