Future Islands – People Who Aren’t There Anymore

Future Islands have been around for nearly two decades, with a distinctive synth-pop sound that has captured a legion of fans. Their fourth album Singles propelled them to stardom, and they have maintained a strong presence since. The group returns with their seventh release People Who Aren’t There Anymore, the first LP since 2020. It’s a record full of swagger, with material that will slot seamlessly into their live gigs. The twelve songs demonstrate a group at their pinnacle, knowing their strengths and limitations.

Opener King of Sweden, first released in 2022, sets the tone, while The Tower has Future Islands’s recognisable synth grooves. There is a darkness underneath the upbeat tempo as Samuel T Herring sings of boys playing with razors and birds flying through graveyards – as with the likes of Depeche Mode or The Smiths, the contrast between lyrics and structure adds to the allure.

Deep in the Night diverges from this with a slower, moodier feel, followed by Say Goodbye, which has an infectious pop energy to it – it’s hard not to want to dance to its delightful beats. Again, there is a sense of angst in the lyrics as Herring sings about saying goodbye and why he even tries.

Give Me the Ghost Back begins with a gradual build-up before dropping into a pulsating rhythm anchored by Michael Lowry’s drums that take centre stage. It showcases a slightly different side to the band but is no less impressive than some of their more synth-driven works.

Corner of My Eye is a slow rock track, with Herring proving he is equally adept at fast bangers like Seasons as more sombre material. Peach recalls 80s acts like The Cure or A Flock of Seagulls, reflecting some of their diverse influences, one of the most luscious pieces on the album.

People Who Aren’t There Anymore is a welcome return for Future Islands, with some intriguing shifts in direction across its twelve tracks, the group never resting on their laurels or playing it safe. There is a sense of maturity and growth stylistically and lyrically, making them a fascinating act to follow. Many of the best moments here will work wonderfully in an expansive live setting, at large arenas and festivals in particular. There is a sense of rejuvenation and new life in the material, keeping them relevant well into their third decade together.

Christopher Connor
Image: Frank Hamilton

People Who Aren’t There Anymore is released on 26^th January 2024. For further information or to order the album visit Future Islands’s website here.

Watch the video for the single The Tower here: