I wrote b’s cover story this week on Future Islands, the post-whatever trio from Baltimore and one of my favorite bands. On the Water, their recently BNM-snubbed album released Tuesday, is one of the best of year. If you’re curious about the group and haven’t heard their music, imagine entering a dancefloor and bobbing your head, then you pick up pace as the band’s low-end and synthesizers find their groove and then — as soon as you hear Herring’s confessional lyrics — you begin to weep and assume the fetal position. Your feet will still be tapping and twitching. It’s beautiful shit.
I met the guys for coffee at Carma’s Cafe in Charles Village, and we hung out outside for an hour. Sam Herring, the lead singer, rolled cigarettes and ate tomato soup that looked delicious. The band, especially Herring, was gracious and thoughtful. I’m really happy with how the piece turned out.
Another great aspect of Future Islands is their videos. Their latest and perhaps best is “Balance,” and I spoke with the director Jay Buim about it. It stars the Calvin Klein model and musician Elbee Thrie and Tumblr-approved fashionista Danii Phae. They’re truly in love and you can tell.
UPDATE: NPR is streaming On the Water.
Photo by Lloyd Fox, the Baltimore Sun
