Vocals are an oft-neglected commodity
on the independent scene. Amidst angular
guitar histrionics and spasmodic rhythm sections, singers
typically need
only avoid sticking out for bad reasons, often deftly attempting to
traipse the line between singing and talking. Those folks with
unique vocal styles often get pegged as eccentrics (Joanna Newsom,
Stephin Merritt, Scott Walker). Well,
Future Islands' Samuel T.
Herring certainly boasts a distinctive set of chops,
coming off as something like Dave Gahan's new wave baritone crossed with the growl of
Get A
Life's Gus Borden. It's a shock at first, admittedly, but one
gradually becomes enamoured with Herring's powerful voice, itself a
perfect match for the band's juicy mash of turgid, post-punk basslines and whirring synths.
The first truly sublime moment on In
Evening Air comes in the form of “Tin Man,” which matches an
infectious steel drum part with a propulsive beat and a base of bass
shards. Here Herring' grumbly vocals are a gruff counterpoint to the
shimmering tunefulness of the steel pans,
resulting in an
unabashedly infectious slice of otherworldly pop. It may be In
Evening Air's most delectably original moment. Other songs are more
accurate replicas of eighties new wave fare. Brilliant “Inch of
Dust” employs a glittery synthesizer melody which might have been
ripped from one of Tears For Fears' incremental love songs, replete
with a tick-tocking subrhythm for added flair. Meanwhile, “Walking
Through That Door” and “Vireo's Eye” are prime examples of dark,
vaguely gothic post-punk, brandishing links to Joy Division and
Siouxsie and the Banshees. And one can't neglect to mention the
momentous “Swept Inside,” itself Future Islands' best shot at indie
immortality. Here William Cashion's ropey bass guitar carves out a
foot-moving stomp, above which J. Gerrit Welmers' starry haze of
keys and Herring's vocals power out a mesmerizing collision of the
Psychedelic Furs, Beat Happening, Interpol, and, of course, good ol'
Joy Div.
Ultimately, Future Islands have
prepared a solid statement with their Thrill Jockey
debut.
Following a trail of vinyl releases on smaller labels, as well as
several self-released CDRs, the trio have produced a polished and,
above all, distinctive album with In Evening Air. Even at its
relative low points, this album's songs never truly disappoint,
consistently shining through as engaging feats of melody and mood.