Islands

Nick Diamonds' polymorphous pop band, Islands, is back with their fourth studio album, A "Sleep & A Forgetting". Emerging from the ashes of Montreal pop sensations The Unicorns, whose lo-fi pop made them cult sensations among the indie scene, Islands started in 2005 and one year later released their debut. "Return to the Sea" found eccentric and mellifluous pop tunes performed with a cast of characters from Montreal's thriving music scene (including members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade), helmed by Nick Diamonds and Jamie Thompson. Thompson departed amicably from the group shortly after the album was released, and 2007's "Arm's Way" found the band turning in a new direction towards lushly orchestrated, guitar-driven prog-rock. Thompson has returned to the band for "Vapours", a record that flits back and forth between moody synthesizers and drum-machine-heavy beats, while remaining firmly rooted in the classic pop sensibilities. Produced by Nick Diamonds and Chris Coady (who has worked with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blonde Redhead, TV On The Radio, among others), the 2010 release offered a multitude of melodic hooks that Islands is known for since the beginnings. Their new record, "A Sleep & A Forgetting" is Thornburn's most personal so far. After a break-up, he left New York for Los Angeles and started writing the new songs on a piano he found at his new place. The result is a record full of shimmering sonic textures and irresistible melodies that have come to the band's enduring appeal. However, there is a deeply personal cathartic undercurrent to the songs. "A Sleep & A Forgetting" features some of the most startling and memorable songs from a supremely talented band that has continued to both evolve or surprise.

Links

www.myspace.com/islandsareforever

www.islandsareforever.com