REVIEW: Islands - Arm's Way + Interview

Arm’s Way is everything a sophomore album should be. Islands return with a record that is bolder, more confident, and more ambitious than one might have expected. Debut album Return To The Sea was quirky, fun and showcased some serious talent, but stunning tracks such as Swans, Volcanoes and Rough Gem made the more low-key moments seem less accomplished and interesting. Despite clocking in at a rather intimidating 70 minutes, Arm’s Way is stellar throughout. Opening track The Arm immediately sets the tone for what is to come, a crescendo of violins builds only to be attacked by lead singer Nick Thornburg’s menacing growl, launching a wave of Eastern-European sounding riffs, twisting together against a backdrop of pounding drums; a heavier sounding Islands. As the vocals come in we are reunited with the old familiar Islands sound, Nick singing with more confidence than ever before over muted guitars and lush strings. The two personalities battle against each other with equal flair until they are vaporized amongst a flurry of violin runs, with the leftover pieces falling and unravelling like confetti, signalling to the listener that this is the beginning of something new. The first half of the album delivers a slew of shorter gems, the Unicorns-era ‘Abominable Snow’ finally given the definitive treatment, while the second half of the album opens up to a more epic style, ‘To A Bond’ and ‘Vertigo’ containing some of the most beautiful and affecting moments the band have accomplished thus far. The production is clean, and provides enough space for the various instruments and noises to breathe, while maintaining an atmosphere of unity. The Chow Brothers compliment Thornburg’s vocals with some nice strings and synth work, while the rhythm section, including Patrice Agbokou’s legendary bass skills (he played for Prince at age 12), keeps everything together with energetic aplomb. Thornburg’s lyrics are often ambiguous and even surreal, keeping a strong balance between absurd fun and genuine emotion, and even when his voice begins to break, reaching beyond its grasp, he keeps going as if he believes these songs are the greatest thing ever. Give this album some time and you might just believe the same.

Don't Do It caught up with Islands drummer Aaron Harris for a brief chat:

DDI You joined Islands in 2006, how did you originally meet Nick and get involved?

AH Nick and I met eachother through mutual friends, before "Return to the Sea" had been released...everyone seems to know everyone in Montreal...its like one giant fucking ski lodge.

DDI You grew up in Pittsburgh, what was it that attracted you to McGill University in Montreal?

AH I thought that I wanted to go to McGill for a great music education; it turned out Montreal is an excellent city for, among other things, drinking. Whoops, there goes my education!

DDI You recorded some backing vocals for the new album, do you do any of your own songwriting?

AH I used to be in a band where I was the lead singer and co-songwriter but I always sounded like I was auditioning for a role on Broadway. I was more than happy to sing backup on Arm's Way.

DDI What's your favourite thing about being in Islands?

AH What's my favorite thing about being in Islands? Being in a band is awesome. Everyone knows that.

DDI What have you been listening to most, recently?

AH I really love the Dodo's new album, which is what I've been listening to recently....I'd love to tour and/or collaborate with them.