"I've fallen over on stage many times. But never off stage, until Bristol", Recalls Samuel T Herring, referring to their 2017 show at the O2 Academy. With a new album under their belt, and an ego that seemingly can't be dented, Future Islands were back in South West England in celebration of their seventh LP, People Who Aren't There Anymore, recently released through 4AD. Thankfully with no repeats of that fateful incident, besides a split pair of pants, with nothing but a show-stopping performance, they proved just why their one of the best in the game.

Following a enthralling performance by Maltese musician, producer and all round wunderkind Joon, the band emerged one by one from the almost brutalist inspired stage design. Whilst most groups jump straight to business, Sam first shared his appreciation to everyone, marking a momentous 18 years for the band. It's with this devotion and passionable delivery that sets them apart and it runs through the heart of their music, something that's evident to see as he quickly picked up on the front row's energy as they bounced up and down. 

Feeding off this vigour, like he'd just devoured his first meal in weeks, with each cheer and whoop there's an urgency to ramp things up as he wasted no time before breaking out those insatiable dance moves. Moments later he's disappeared in to the set's hidden archway, only to return with a Klinsmann dive mid-song as he slid across the stage on his stomach and with not a note missed. Impressive to say the least. 

With these silk-smooth moves, there's no wonder his persona has become so magnetising. A charisma like no other, it really is mesmerising to watch on as he danced around running side to side, spinning and body popping his way like a prized contortionist.

Beneath the stage theatrics though, as he beat his chest, slapped the floor, and grabbed at his face tearing off an imaginary mask, he reveals an unnerving pain. And this is his therapy. Having spoken openly about depression and addiction across the year's, playing live has been his one true saviour through each darkened turn, and this is where he shines, giving it 110%. Even despite the large auditorium, he drives home this beautifully eloquent engagement with each and every fan, singing to them like it was a one on one private performance.

Form Herring's belly roars and dynamic vocal ranges, to the band's divine musicianship through impeccable percussive control and soaring electronic soundscapes, the Baltimore outfit were made for the live circuit. And as the night drew to a close, the fans devotion backed this up as they cheered and applauded until they finally re-emerged. 

Returning for an encore that included a rousing performance of "Ancient Water" and "Vireo's Eye" that saw dazzling strobe lights illuminate the crowd, the song's juxtaposition of forlornity and uplifting energy provided would be perfect summary of the night.....But they weren't quite finished yet. 

As the lights come up, Sam exclaimed, "There may be times when we don't close with this song, but tonight's not it" as the painfully raw "Little Dreamer" was coaxed in to life. Originally penned as a happy song, the track took on a darker meaning through a faded relationship, and as the band began its intro, Herring entered in to dialogue vividly depicting its conception. "That passion, that love, grows in to anger and resentment. And eventually just becomes numb and we don't feel a thing. How sad is it think about the love of your life and you don't feel a thing. I don't want to entertain that idea". 

It's a reason why their music speaks to so many. Amongst it, there's a poignant and poetic undertone that's become so undeniably relatable as life continues to grind us down. Future Islands are testament to this enduring appeal brought to life through their artistic growth. The band's ability to mix emotional depth with infectious energy ensures that their live shows remain a must-see experience, whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this tour is certainly not one to be missed.

Set List
King of Sweden
The Tower
A Dream of You and Me
The Garden Wheel
Ran
Plastic Beach
Peach
Light House
Give Me the Ghost Back
The Sickness
City's Face
Like the Moon
Shadows(with JOON)
The Thief
For Sure
Say Goodbye
Seasons (Waiting on You)
Long Flight
Tin Man

Encore:
Ancient Water
Vireo's Eye
Little Dreamer

*****