FUTURE ISLANDS Vinilo y CD

Review: US synthpop heroes Future Islands are back with People Who Aren't There Anymore, their fourth album for indie giant 4AD. The album has been a long time coming, with singles from the record teased by the band for the past three years from 2021's 'Peach' through to recently dropped sixth teaser 'Say Goodbye'. Finally, the album has been gathered together with the production work of Steve Wright and Chris Coady, completing the journey from previous outing As Long As You Are and still striking a sweet spot between electronic and indie-pop sensibilities in the band's continued evolution.

Review: Future Islands newest album As Long As You Are is a work that readdresses some of their past while also looking to the future and a new sound. This process of redemption comes as drummer Mike Lowry officially joins the band as a songwriter to add to the foundational trio of William Cashion, Samuel T Herring and Gerrit Whelmers. The synth wave sound the band is famous for remains and is as bright and joyous as it has been in their nearly 15 year history. Heavenly choruses also make it last long in the memory and sure to win new fans as well as retain the old.

Review: Is 2020 the year that even managed to break the spirit of Baltimore synth oddballs Future Islands? Well, not quite, but this latest addition to their eccentric oeuvre is a markedly more sombre, heartbroken and emotionally scarred affair than we are used to. Nevertheless, it's not without a few life-affirming moments and hints of hidden joy.

The single 'Thrill', which arrived ahead of the full album, certainly set the tone well. A nostalgic slice of downtrodden pop balladry, sweet and helpless, it shares an air of sadness with the waves of synth that dominate opener 'Glada'. Even when the beats break from the starting blocks with more urgency - say, 'For Sure' or the bassline pulses of 'Waking' - you can't help but feel this is a beautifully tragic experience.