Future Islands became the indie band of the summer following their knock-out performance on Letterman back in March. It certainly helps that their latest, Singles, is far and away their best record. But their throwback synth pop wouldn’t be as interesting — the band isn’t redefining the genre — if not for dynamic frontman Samuel T. Herring. His growly, neo-soul voice, coupled with his live presence full of unabashed, joyous, self-assured dancing, give the band its jolt.
The Vogue was 900 strong — a big step up from the Do317 Lounge the last time they were here — Saturday night as the Baltimore band made it’s way through. The evening began with the surprise of realizing opening band Operators was the new project from Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade and Divine Fits. No record is currently available but the three-piece delivered a confident 40 minute rush of calibrated, 80s-influenced pop. It was an impressive set and the perfect lead-in for Future Islands.
The crowd exploded 25 minutes later when Future Islands hit the stage. After opening with Back in the Tall Grass, one of the more muted songs on Singles, the band upped the energy with Sun in the Morning and A Song of You and Me. With his bandmates stationary behind him, Herring prowled the stage, passionately gyrating, half-haymaker fist pumping, and slapping his chest.
A mid-set highlight was the back-to-back punch of In Evening Air’s raucous Tin Man followed by a propulsive version of Doves from the current album. The biggest reaction of the night was, as expected, for Seasons (Waiting On You), the song that brought the band to the attention of many.
After closing with Spirit — by my count, 9 of the 10 tracks on Singles were played — the band came back out for a three-song encore highlighted by a cathartic Fall from Grace and a thumping Vireo’s Eye that featured Herring donning an Elvis Presley wig for the first couple of bars.
Where Future Islands go next is an intriguing discussion. With Singles, they’ve reached a pinnacle of sorts. Herring, in particular, is in a spot where he has to consider whether people will continue coming for the music or the spectacle. The key is blending the two while the band grows. For now, Future Islands is one of the best live acts out there, and those at the Vogue were treated to one of the top shows of the year.
Were you there? What did you think?