Future Islands - On The Water

I play in a skiffle combo. I'm one of the finest wash board players on the scene. My skiffle group “The Skiffle-kult Third Album” have had the pleasure of sharing stage time with these synth wave muckers. Their newie “On The Water” is a bloody joy to listen to. It's very synth orientated and is full of warm electronics and zinging bass. The vocals are also quite unique...they sound very gruff and quite dramatic at times. He reminds me of the singer from  The Walkmen, but with a tad more errmmm...dramatic. This record sounds like the soundtrack to the best 80's movie. It sounds like The Psychedelic Furs jamming with Japan. It has really haunting synths and that fragile yet powerful sound underpinned by almost New Order bass gymnastics. They are definitely a retro dance act, but I feel like they have a touch of Les Savy Fav about them. This record sounds amazing. My favourite songs (after my first paltry listen) are 'Before The Bridge', which is one of the best songs I've heard in ages, and the amazing 'Balance' which is a haunting contempative number that bursts into life half way through and leaves you feeling uplifted, yet slightly maudlin all at once. All the songs on this LP are really strong, the production is great and the whole album has moments that will delight and emote in equal measure. A potential LP of the week/month/year and well worth a purchase.