Future Islands, Roundhouse

For anyone unfamiliar with the magnificently-named Samuel T. Herring and his bandmates, who together form the unique sound of Future Islands, check out thecharming and unforgettable breakthrough appearance on Letterman of earlier this year.
Herring's stage presence is remarkable: one minute he's a tortured, broken-hearted puppy, howling his synth-driven sadness for all the world to hear, the next minute he's the balding, head-bobbing uncle who takes it upon himself to populate the dancefloor at his niece's 16^th birthday. Herring clicks his fingers, slides from left to right in a manner which suggests he hasn't yet made up his mind as to whether or not he's doing it ironically.
Future Islands have been around for a while. This year's Singles is their 4^th album since forming in 2006, throughout which time they have gained a reputation for rowdy live shows in tiny venues, with Herring the growling ringleader of lo-fi synth-punk riots all across the States.
Almost as if they new their Letterman moment was coming, Singles is undoubtedly their best work, and most welcoming to the wider audience they've garnered as a result. Every song is a simple poem of love and loss, the kind of thing that on paper makes you cringe, but when wailed over haunting synth and shuffling Motorik drums, Herring turns it into something beautiful. Two shows are booked at the Roundhouse in March – be sure to make it to one of them to see this band in action!
Future Islands will also be supporting The Strokes in Hyde Park on the 18th June 2015.