Seasons change, and I tried hard just to soften you
The seasons change, but I've grown tired of tryin' to change for you
Because I've been waiting on...
The Baltimore-based band’s fourth album is layered with songs that are faultlessly executed from top to bottom. Although the lyrics are somewhat simplistic, their direct marriage is welcomed.
Bassist William Cashion and keyboardist Gerrit Welmers match him for breathless passion, whipping up a stirring synth-pop writ in bold emotional colours. [Apr 2014, p.74]
This is the best album of the year so far. The music has an 80s feel to it, and I love that. Samuel T. Herring's voice is extraordinary. HeThis is the best album of the year so far. The music has an 80s feel to it, and I love that. Samuel T. Herring's voice is extraordinary. He has great vocal range, going from mere whispers to abrupt cries. This gives life to the lyrics, which are gorgeous in their own right.
My favorite tracks are: Fall from Grace, Like the Moon, and A Dream of You and Me. But don't misunderstand; the entire album is terrific. Tracks like Seasons (Waiting on You), Spirit, and Doves are also quite beautiful.
I just knew that this great band has released three previous albums. Definitely checking them out.…Expand
Despite its misleading title, Future Island's Singles is not a collection of the indie synthpop band's greatest hits. On the contrary, it is aDespite its misleading title, Future Island's Singles is not a collection of the indie synthpop band's greatest hits. On the contrary, it is a holistically unique and totally refreshing ten-track album that bursts with both aged wisdom and bubbling youth. The synthetic sounds are executed with suavity and pensiveness, creating an atmosphere visually (and viscerally) akin to diving into a colorful, luminescent pool. Herring's lyrics and voice are both wistful and grateful as his texture ranges from harmonic whispers to guttural cries. Starting with the unconventionally spectacular single "Seasons (Waiting On You)," the band takes you on a short but powerful forty-minute journey, leaving you stunned and reluctant to believe that's all there is to it. Being in equal parts uplifting and emotionally exhaustive, the album relies significantly on the listener's input. It's a fine piece of music to be played in the car on the ride home; however, it's ultimate potential isn't discovered until you listen to it in your room with undivided attention and allow it to engulf you. Simply put, Singles is the most stellar record of the year thus far.
FINAL SCORE: 95 (almost perfect ----------o---------- perfect)…Expand
"Singles" is the first Future Islands release I've listened to and have to say, while it took a good few lessons to form the opinion, I am"Singles" is the first Future Islands release I've listened to and have to say, while it took a good few lessons to form the opinion, I am impressed. On the surface they don't sound massively out of the ordinary but closer inspection reveals intricately layered and well thought out pop music. Heavier on the synths than what I'd normally go for, they make great use of it and manage to keep the mood strictly indie unlike for example The Killers later work where the synths made things sound artificial. Mature yet good fun, "Singles" was a nice surprise listen and adds to what was a very decent year for music in 2014. The opening and closing sections of the record are the strongest with things hitting a lull ever so slightly in the middle.…Expand
Singles takes a leap forward for Future Islands, albeit in a way that reaches for more widespread appeal. The songs are less slow developingSingles takes a leap forward for Future Islands, albeit in a way that reaches for more widespread appeal. The songs are less slow developing compared to On the Water, which may bring down the replay value on certain tracks like the first two tracks. Samuel Herring's voice is as good as ever, and the production is fantastic. Back in the tall grass may end up being my favorite song of the year, it is incredibly well written and Herring's voice is on point. I was in love with this album on first listen, definitely an album to put on cover to cover, as I find myself really digging 4 or 5 tracks on their own.…Expand
Propelled by their eccentric David Letterman debut, this LP proves to be Future Island's big break. In Evening Air still remains my favoritePropelled by their eccentric David Letterman debut, this LP proves to be Future Island's big break. In Evening Air still remains my favorite of their studio albums but Singles managed to hook me by swapping out the darker tone of previous LPs for more an even more colorful new-wave/synthpop sound. Herring's vocals are still the main appeal, (they are incredible!) as most of the instrumentation is pretty bare-bones. His delivery is less rough, more melodic, and as infectious as ever. This album is a grower and definitely worth your time.…Expand
Good album, not great, but good. These guys have a really great sound and the singer here has an incredibly powerful, unique voice for thisGood album, not great, but good. These guys have a really great sound and the singer here has an incredibly powerful, unique voice for this genre of music. That being said the songs here just aren't strong enough to make me love the entire album. Tracks like "Seasons (Waiting on You)", "Sun in the Morning", and "Doves", are are great but most of the rest of the album doesn't pack quite the same appeal, quite the same charm these tracks do. Regardless, looking forward to what comes next from these guys, and hope that on the next album they finally hone their sound.…Expand
