Rating: NNNN
In the past, Islands frontman Nick Diamonds has spoken about the impact of whales and coastal living on his music. On Vapours, the group’s third studio album, the ethereal mysticism of undersea life comes through regularly, especially on tracks like On Foreigner, which features subtle rockabilly riffs, dreamy synths and a hook so angelic you forget you’re listening to an indie rocker in his late 20s.
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Like past Islands albums, Vapours exhibits a strong focus on vocal melody, something that comes naturally to Diamonds, also of Unicorns and Human Highway fame. The extraordinary EOL, whose instrumentals sound like they could have been composed by Pulp 15 years ago, may evoke some choked-up reactions in the uninitiated, especially when those high notes are hit – it’s that heavy. Vapours dutifully recognizes the playful history of the group and, with the re-addition of drummer Jamie Thompson, is sure to appease followers and win over new listeners.
Top track: EOL
Catch Islands at Mod Club November 7.
