Morning Commute

On the way into work today, I needed something upbeat, but not too heavy. It was a nice day and the long week had worn me down, I needed music to propel me on my weary commute. I put on my headphones and with tired eyes I scrolled through my iPhone's music selection and found just what I was craving.  

Future Islands - In the Evening Air

Future Island's second full-length album finds the band in top form. The talented trio consists of Gerrit Welmers on keyboard and programming, William Cashion on bass and guitars, and Samuel T. Herring on vocals. The band originally described this album as "post-wave" after its release, and that seems like an appropriate genre for what they're trying to achieve. 

There are heavy 80s new wave influences here and most of the songs are driven by bouncing bass lines, looping synthesizer melodies, drum machine rhythms, and emotionally heavy vocals. The structure and presentation is simple, yet the music is subtly detailed, lush and playful. There's also clearly a theatrical element at work. There's a strong emphasis on storytelling in the lyrics and Herring takes the role and runs with it. He is dramatic, a true showman, constantly walking the line between over-the-top and grand performance. He has a unique voice and delivery, wordy and gritty. He sounds like an old-timey butler, complete with white gloves, top hat and monocle, soul sick from his years of service and lack of a real family. He sounds like Dracula, holed up in his Transylvania castle alone for centuries. He sounds like something from a far away time and place, and it works.

There are several stand-out tracks that illustrate the one-of-a-kind electropop storytelling that Future Islands produces. "Long Flight" is my personal favorite with its danceable rhythm, driving bass, and looping, stuck-in-your-head synth melody. The instruments create the perfect setting for Herring's vocals to wail and weave through the music. It tells the tragic story of an unfaithful woman who "Can't look me in the eyes anymore without the rivers to tend, because you remember our love was true but you just needed a hand." It's heartbreaking, angry, raw and energetic, an emotional roller coaster. 

The album as a whole is awesome, and a particularly great listen on headphones. This is a band that is carving out their own path and is formidable in their passion. I'm looking forward to catching them in concert because I'd imagine it adds an extra dimension to their theatrical music and would make for a powerful performance.  

Album Highlights: Long Flight, Walking Through That Door, Tin Man, Vireo's Eye, Inch of Dust, As I Fall

Morning Commute

I get to do some of my most intent music listening on my morning commute. From the moment I get on the elevator in my building to the moment I sit down at my desk at work, I have my headphones in and I'm fixated on the music. It's sometimes enough time to get through an entire album. I listen to every detail, focus in on each specific instrument, decipher the lyrics, and feel the rhythm. It sets the tone for the day. I listen to music at other times during my day, of course, but the morning commute is when I am most absorbed by the tunes.

On this fair-weather Monday morning, I listened to Twin Sister's debut album In Heaven.

Twin Sister - In Heaven

The five young (average age of 23) members of Twin Sister make a cool brand of indie pop. It's pleasant, easy on the ears, and diverse. The music sounds simple and small, but it's rich, textured and subtly sharp. At times, the album is rooted in smooth lounge-pop and at other times it's bouncy and disco-esque. The record runs the gamut, it had me both gazing out of the bus window during some songs and tapping my toe to others.

Female vocalist Andrea Estella has an innocent, dollhouse-like voice that fits perfectly with the style of music. She charmingly croons over the steady flow of bass lines, electronic drum beats, and shimmering guitars, creating some truly enjoyable grooves. The lyrics are focused on little moments, specific incidents and emotions that come up during our day-to-day lives. 

This is one of those great albums that gives back what you put in. It requires multiple listening at different times, maybe even repeating a song that you find particularly catchy twice in a row. The more you listen, the more you appreciate what the band is doing. It's an enchanting experience.

Needless to say, this was a perfect album to listen to at 9am on a bus heading down Second Avenue in New York City.

Album Highlights: Daniel, Bad Street, Space Babe, Kimmi in a Rice Field, Gene Campi