Recap Future Islands at Subterranean

From North Carolina by way of Baltimore, Future Islands have started making a name for themselves in the past few months by nabbing an opening slot for both Titus Andronicus and Okkervil River as well as releasing their second album, In Evening Air, on Chicago’s own Thrill Jockey label. In Evening Air combines a new wave aesthetic with sometimes gruff, sometimes soaring vocals, creating a dynamic tension in the music that is even further accentuated in the band’s live shows. The band is stepping out on its own for some headlining gigs, including last night’s show at Subterranean.

Future Islands’ sidemen, J. Gerrit Welmers and William Cashion, on synth and bass respectively, provide two unmoving pillars that border the explosive motions of frontman Samuel T. Herring. Herring is a burly guy, and he uses his bulk to turn the stage show into a one-man mosh, hitting himself and rushing the audience as he gazes off seemingly into nowhere.

Herring started the show with some stage banter, flirting with the audience and professing his love for Chicago. Welmers and Cashion were as stoic as ever. Herring seems to have enough of a good time for everyone in the room, and stopped between sets to talk giddily about whatever crossed his mind—Pilsen, lunch, the beauty of Chicago women. The set moved between old songs and unreleased tracks, giving an expansive set of sounds, including a new song, “Tomorrow,” that sounded as slinky and sexy as ’80s-era Prince.

Cashion’s bass lines sounded like New Wave guitar riffs that the members of Blondie wished they had come up with, and Welmers’ synth remained bouncing and accessible throughout. Herring’s voice might be the most dynamic instrument of all. He’s kind of like Meat Loaf, if Meat Loaf were awesome.

By the last few songs, the whole crowd was jumping. Like their Baltimore compatriot Dan Deacon, Future Islands know how to get bodies moving. Herring asked everyone to dance, as if they needed cajoling. Everyone was already moving, taking their cues from the indefatigable front man roaming around the stage.