Islands - Return to the Sea

Islands
Return to the Sea
Equator Records
Grade: A-

Islands’ Return to the Sea is borderline genius with just a few missteps and a bit of waywardness that takes them from the petal-covered path of brilliance. Featuring Nick Diamonds and J’aime Tambeur (ex-Unicorns), Islands came together last summer as an island of last resort or miffed separate aspirations in Montreal to record the eleven-track Return to the Sea. Since Islands were rocking Montreal, they had to call in all the scene’s heavy hitters to help record the record including Spencer Krug, Tim Kingsbury, Sarah Neufeld, Dan Boeckner, besides from technically their band of Patrice Agbokou, Patrick Gregorie, and Alex and Sebastian Chow. The reason that Return to the Sea isn’t the greatest record ever is that it’s clear what Islands are incredible at and what they’re just ordinary at. The former are short, quirky indie-pop songs where electronics bounce everywhere as illustrated by the one of the best songs of the year “Rough Gem.” “Rough Gem” is likely to be your kid’s favorite song as well as the hottest indie fun you’ve had all year; like Atom smashed into early Of Montreal. Other songs of such pedigree include they Paul Simony “Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby,” “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Whale Bone,” and “Jogging Gorgeous Summer.” The other side of Islands is competent indie rock numbers that belie their Montreal background including the uber-long opener “Swans (Life After Death),” “Humans,” and “Ones.” Return to the Sea provides some great material especially as a debut love affair…and hopefully more magic will be coming forth.