Future Islands - "Crish" (Javelin Remixxx)

So far, the only fault I've found with Future Islands' soaring LP On The Water is that its vinyl version doesn't include the beautifully put together "Crish," a collaboration between the band and Brooklyn duo Javelin. Here's the story behind the track from Future Islands: "Crish is a song that was recorded for On the Water but the lyrics weren't completed in time to make the cut. We asked Javelin if they would do a remix of it for a bonus track. At this point, we're not sure if our version of 'Crish' will ever see the light of day, but we really love what Javelin did with it... I feel like it's more of a collaboration than a remix." For the record, the lyrics came out pretty fantastic. It's also refreshing to hear a lighter and less dramatic vocal take atop Gerrit Welmers' typically stupendous synth work.

Buy On The Water from Thrill Jockey.

Future Islands - Crish (Javelin Remixxx)

Future Islands - "Balance"

Since discovering their anthemic jam "Before The Bridge" via a Friends Records penned article, I've been digging through Future Islands' rich back catalogue of releases like a kid in a candy store. The combination of Samuel T. Herring's ravenous and throaty vocals with William Cashion's pulsating bass, and synth phenom Gerrit Welmers' arsenal of exotic goodies is a fiery and intoxicatingly mixed beverage. The type that when imbibed heavily will leave you in a hot sweaty mess of flailing limbs. The band's latest offering, "Balance," is no exception. Taken from the forthcoming On The Water LP—due out on October 11th via Thrill Jockey—"Balance" finds the Future Islands hitting their stride with a signature blast of dance-friendly percussion, soulful vocals, and Welmers' ominous and darkly-tinted synth tones.

Future Islands - "Balance" (from On The Water)