IT BEGINS with the call of birds in the wild and concludes with the sound of a cassette tape being switched off - a journey from the natural to the mechanical? More from the wilds to the security of a safe space.
As Long As You Are is an album of emotional journeys, from doubt to acceptance, from self-loathing to pride, from toxic relationships to new, positive loves.
The tone is set, and indeed, encapsulated by the stately, majestic opener, 'Gelda', where finding love prompts singer Samuel T Herring, to ask: "Do I deserve the sea again, slow lapping waves bathing my face?".
That slower pace, not always characteristic of Future Islands, is also evident in 'City's Face', a contemplation on an abusive relationship, with the power being derived from the musical and lyrical minimalism and understatement. By contrast, the exuberant For Sure declares: "I will never keep you from just who you are".
'An album of optimism, compassion, and resilience - truly, music we need for these times.
'Waking' and 'Plastic Beach', on the other hand are definitive Future Islands - fast, near euphoric, synth-rock that insists you dance - cousins to the band's most famous song 'Seasons (Waiting On You )' with both marking new starts for the song’s protagonists. 'Waking' finds Herring sing, "The blood began to push me back to life, my life, my truth", while 'Plastic Beach' tackles body dysmorphia and the liberation of embracing your true self.
In a strange way, there are moments on the closing track 'Hit The Coast' which seem to quote Queen's 'Radio Ga-Ga'. It makes sense though. As that song declared, "You've yet to have your finest hour", so Herring declares, “I’m flying and free, and I’m not crying."
An album of optimism, compassion, and resilience, which also does not shy away from difficult emotions and experiences - truly, music we need for these times.
