Canadian indie rock darlings, Islands have tapped into the heat and the heart of summer with their latest record Islomania. The scratchy, percussive guitars combined with the sparkly new-wave synths tap into the fruitful vein of 80s nostalgia without coming across as a shallow pastiche. The most glowing comparison I can give this record is to the Strokes’ recent foray into synth-pop with The New Abnormal. I like to think of the record as an elaborate three course meal. Here’s what I mean:
The record kicks off with the title track. It’s the light, fresh salad course at the beginning of an elegant meal. Salads aren’t usually my favourite part of the meal, but “(We Like To) Do It With The Lights On” is so tastefully and charmingly done that it’s instantly become a go-to pick-me-up tune. This is the gold standard for catchiness within indie-pop chorus and for crisp, shiny instrumentation. This song, in combination with and “Carpenter – Prism Song” perfectly creates a casual, fun atmosphere without ever feeling bloated or overextended.
With the middle leg of the album, which I consider to be “Closed Captioning” through to “Natural Law Party” the songs get punchier and bouncier. This is the main dish. It’s hearty it takes risks (with mixed results), and it’s possibly vegan. I may have lost the trail of the metaphor at the end there. While most of the choices for instrumentation within this section suit each song impeccably, there are a few moments where the nostalgia levels get too high even by my standards. The titular Fairlight synth part on “Set the Fairlight” sounds a little stuck in the past, and doesn’t pack the same texture and grit as the horn layers on its predecessor “Closed Captioning for example. This one of the few moments where the art seems like more style than substance, but luckily Islands comes back swinging for the fences with the neo-funk bass playing on “Natural Law Party.” This is the most fun I’ve had involving ethics and theological expression since my brief stint in purgatory in the 14th century.
Of course now we get to dessert. Here are the sweet, concluding flavours to the record. It features two of my favourite tracks “Never Let You Down” and “Marble” and the excellent closer that is the “Gore” whose intro guitar riff comes across as a nice little nod to early Stereolab sounds. This is my favourite trio of songs on Islomania, there’s a depth of timbres and textures that showcase the quirky dynamism of Islands. What a solid way to close out the album. It leaves the listener feeling full, refreshed and eager to start all over again soon.
As you’re staying hydrated and putting on your sunscreen, maybe consider putting on a little Islomania as well. Let the outside world melt away for a little while. Dip your toe in, the water’s fine.
Favourite Tracks:
“(We Like To) Do It With the Lights On” is the lead single for this latest release, and it fills that role gorgeously. The bright and layered percussion intro gives way to a simple, lightly chorused bass-line. A modern, shimmery retelling of a classic synth-pop formula.
“Closed Captioning” has a horn riff that will just not quit. When paired with some Nile Rodgers influenced guitar work and you’ve got yourself my nominee for best song to dance to in your living room of the year award. It’s a bit of a mouthful to announce that prize… The bridge towards the end of the song is lush and spacious working as the perfect juxtaposition for the tight funky verses and choruses. This tune’s got it all.
“Never Let You Down” could very well be a long lost New Order song, but with an unmistakeable Islands modern packaging. The lead vocals here are equal parts self-immolating and freewheeling. If you like the space-y, tremolo heavy sounds of early New Order or Depeche Mode, this might just be the tune for you.
“Marble” is hazy, woozy and meditative in all the right ways. Put this one on and melt. There’s no false pretence here; the song serves the groove and the groove serves the song. If I had my way this would be the album closer. But regardless of where it’s placed, it’s as tuneful as it gets and it’s an excellent addition to a stellar record.
Rating: 8.5/10
Genre: Synth-pop, art-rock
Length: 41:24
Listen to this if you like: New Order, LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes’ latest album
Cheers, Jimmy