• Band / Artist : Islands – mySpace
• Genre : Rock
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : Amazon
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

This is certainly one of those bands that has that very Canadian sound. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s a very distinctive sound, both musically and vocally. The Islands however expand on that, and are also able to include a variety of influences from 70’s rock to the laddish sound of 90’s Britpop.

This 11 song CD has a great feel to it. It’s a very eclectic mix, but there’s a real feel of experimentation and most of all fun about it. From the opening track “Swans (Life after Death)” you know you are in for a interesting time and it’s one of the things that make reviewing music so much fun . Every time I listen to “Humans”, I can’t help but be reminded of that great BritPop band Blur. “Don’t Call me Whitney, Bobby” certainly has a title that evokes a whole host of expectations, and it delivers, but not in the damming way you’d expect.

“Rough Gem” opens with some wonderful strings, something that I’m always happy to encourage, especially when incorporated in the right way. This track however develops pretty quickly into something totally unexpected. It almost sounds like the level on some warped video game, but it works and very well indeed. With “Tsuxiit” however it’s the total opposite. It’s a real indulgent track that just doesn’t go anywhere. At around the minute mark I though it was going to break into something great, but it just didn’t materialize.

“Joggin Gorgeous Summer” had my ears pricked up as it was a kind of mix between Cat Stevens and Donovan. The album closes with “Renaud” which is a really interesting track.

Conclusion : The Islands sure have sound all of their own and some wonderfully interesting and diverse tracks on this album. Canadian at it’s finest.