Future Island's People Who Aren't There Anymore is a tribute to the impermanence of life on the road, commemorating lost lives and cherishing the present while being grateful for the past.
Some bands come and go, but there are those that create a unique path, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Future Islands falls into the latter category, defying norms, embracing vulnerability, and crafting a distinct sound that resonates globally.
Their seventh release, People Who Aren't There Anymore, marks a new chapter for the band. Instead of viewing albums as static reflections, Future Islands sees them as fluid chapters in their evolving lives. As individuals change and move in different directions, the band confronts its future while reflecting on its past.
The album to which Brooklyn Vegan proclaimed, “vocalist Samuel T. Herring’s voice shines, singing poetic lyrics over fluttery synths and electronic drums,” mirrors the transient nature of a band's existence, highlighting the privilege of global travel juxtaposed with the melancholy of fleeting moments in people's lives. The band acknowledges the changes in its members over nearly two decades, with some settling down and others still on the move. The analogy of waves captures the essence of their evolution.
Future Islands, consisting of Herring (vocals, lyrics), William Cashion (bass, guitars), Gerrit Welmers (keyboards, programming), and Michael Lowry (drums), follows up on their 2020 release, As Long As You Are. This new album, co-produced by the band and Steve Wright, and mixed by Steve Wright and Chris Coady, represents a departure from their previous pursuit of high-energy anthems, as they turn inward, unlocking a new level of intensity. The result is a powerful and defining statement, showcasing the band's growth and maturity.