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I first stumbled upon Islands when I saw them open for Beck in their home town of Montreal in spring 2006. Dressed in all
white jumpsuits, Islands featured about nine musicians playing a series of playful, bouncy tunes that definitely caught my
attention. Islands' core members are actually just Nick Diamonds and Jaime T'ambour, who were formerly members of the short-lived
indie rock band The Unicorns. Return to the Sea has a welcoming, Caribbean feel to it that is perfect for summertime listening.
It opens with the expansive 9 ½ minute intro track "Swans (Life After Death)" that perfectly evokes their winning
formula of catchy melodies, shifting dynamics, eclectic instrumentals, and some nice experimental songwriting. The album tapers
off towards the end to a more subdued conclusion. Return to the Sea is definitely one of the highlight albums of 2006.
Key Tracks:
Swans (Life After Death)
Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby
Rough Gem
Final Verdict: 8.1
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