The New Darker Islands

When the girl wearing the head-gear outside Webster Hall came up to me and told me I looked like a Newsy, I knew it was gonna be a weird night. She and a mass of intentionally nerdy looking kids were on their way to 80s Prom Night. I wasn't.

A few minutes later I was inside Webster Hall, anticipating Islands first NYC performance since the release of their new album "Arm's Way." On the stage was a band named The Magic, who should have been playing for 80s Prom Night instead. They looked and sounded like an retro 80s indie cliche. They even had the really cute chick who's seemingly there more as eye candy than her simple keyboard additions, and the lead singer immediately put the name Rick Astley in my head.

It would obviously be worth waiting for with Islands up next. The last 2 times I had seen them were at unconventional venues, and were 2 of the most fun shows I've been to in the last few years.

Taking the stage, front man Nick Thornburn (Diamonds) had his face painted like a mime. The band quickly began with "Arm's Way," the opening track of their new album. The mood of the night seemed much different than past Islands shows, with the band focusing primarily on their darker sophomore release. The songs are far less immediate than those on "Return to the Sea." "It's a grower" stated the somber Thornburn, who seems to be going through a rough time in his life. His songs were always about death, but this time their not always as light.

Though they played some of the earlier favorites, Thornburn seemed like he was being forced, even at one point introducing "Swans" by saying "this song sucks." And by the tone of his voice, he really seemed to mean it. And he really didn't seem interested at all in playing them, which took a lot away from the performance.

The new songs, which Thornburn was much more excited to play sounded great. The calypso breakdown in "'aime vous voire quitter" was just as fun as on record. The band closed their night by playing a very interesting double encore than consisted of 3 of their lengthiest songs. First came the haunting "Vertigo (if it's a crime)" which included the use of a thick steel chain for percussion. After leaving the stage, they returned to the stage and played the upbeat crowd pleaser "Rough Gem." With the vibe a happy one, Thornburn decided to close it out with the beautiful, orchestral "To A Bond." It was an odd choice to end the show with, but was definitely one of the strongest moments of the nights.

Much like their new album, their performance surely disappointed a large number of fans who were looking for something more fun and upbeat. But also like that album, it's great for entirely different reasons, and it's another reason why Islands are one of the most original bands alive. By the end of the year "Arm's Way" will be on a lot of year end lists.

Photos by [Jonny-Leather]