Islands Announce Two New Albums, Taste and Should I Remain Here at Sea?

Photo by Christian Faustus

Islands last released Ski Mask in 2013. Today, they've announced two new follow-up albums, Taste and Should I Remain Here at Sea? They're both out May 13 via PledgeMusic. They've shared a song from each album, too: "Back Into It" from Should I Remain Here at Sea? and "Charm Offensive" from Taste. Listen to both below, via Stereogum.

Islands will head out on tour in support of their albums. Check out their tour dates below.

Band members Nick Thorburn (a.k.a. Nick Diamonds) and Evan Gordon produced both albums. Speaking on the process, Thorbun said:

Contained on these albums are the saddest songs I've ever written, the funniest songs I've ever written, the catchiest songs, and the most satisfying songs. Excuse all the superlatives, but I honestly don't think I've ever walked away from a recording process more fulfilled and invigorated.

He also spoke about each new song, in particular. He said "Back Into It":

is a study in contradiction. It’s a bright, loose affair, with bubblegum backing vocals and major key guitar chugging, but you don't have to dig that deep to hear the venom, acrimonious and sour. When someone rains on your parade, make rain on your parade lemonade.

On "Charm Offensive":

"Charm Offensive" is all sharp angles, smooth lines and mechanical melodies, but just underneath is a desire for the round edges, the soft corners, a loose swing and some crude revelry. I was trying to express that urge to find the good times, and let the bad ones go. To stop using songwriting as a pool to wallow in. To find the light, to sneak in, “pull back the shades, see the darkness fade.

Thorburn composed the music for the second season of the "Serial" podcast, which premiered in December. He also recently expressed interest in reissuing the band's 2006 album Return to the Sea. (The band considers Should I Remain Here at Sea? the spiritual sequel to Return to the Sea.)

Read "The Sound of Serial: Composer Nick Thorburn Explains the Making of the Podcast Score" on the Pitch.

Islands:

05-19 Montréal, Québec - Bar Le "Ritz" P.D.B
05-20 Allston, MA - Great Scott
05-21 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg
05-22 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
05-24 Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel
05-25 Columbus, OH - Skully's Music Diner
05-26 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
05-27 Ferndale, MI - The Loving Touch
05-28 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
06-03 Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
06-04 Vancouver, British Columbia - Biltmore Cabaret
06-05 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
06-07 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
06-09 Los Angeles, CA - The Teragram Ballroom
06-10 San Diego, CA - Casbah
06-11 Las Vegas, NV - Bunkhouse Saloon

via Matthew Strauss