Future Islands - Full Performance (Live on KEXP at Home)

KEXP.ORG presents Future Islands sharing songs recorded live exclusively for KEXP. Recorded November 11, 2020.
Songs:
For Sure
The Painter
Born In A War
Moonlight
Video Credits:
Director: Marisa Gesualdi
Director of Photography: Jake DeNicola
Cameras: Jake DeNicola, Hil Steadman, Marisa Gesualdi
Engineer & Mixer: Steve Wright of Wright Way Studios
Assistant Engineer: Paul Mercer
Monitors Engineer: Matthew Ricchini
Covid-19 Compliance Officer: Tosha Potter
Covid-19 Compliance Assistant: Jerry Potter
Recorded live at Wright Way Studios in Baltimore, MD
future-islands.com
kexp.org

[@fritzvanderwoodsen2825]

4 grown men just killing it. This band is so good.

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Amazingly good live

[@benshaw7993]

This is a tight band. Drummer and bassist just grooving together. Literally zero mistakes. Drummer is tight af. I can listen to that drummer all night. Keys bringing in that melody and of course otherworldly vocals. This band ages like wine.

[@plidsell]

Fuck yeah brother

[@thorseppala4375]

Thats what i was thinking i don’t think people understand how good their bass player is

[@paulhanley5306]

Double That Bud Row!@@plidsell

[@annajohnson2728]

His drumming is like he’s doing a show reel…❤

[@glexbian]

Love this

[@kylestark9289]

The performance of "Born in a War" is truly otherworldly. Such a damn good song. THAT BASS!!!!!

[@martynpiggottmusic4993]

I didn't know Sam was capable of standing still :⁠-⁠) wonderful band, wonderful performance x

[@liverpoolhw]

well nearly

[@Biking360]

KEXP sound engineers are incredible. Kudos to them and of course to Future Islands.

[@0ldboy1989]

I love how William’s bass lines are simple yet distinct and catchy, no need for a guitarist. Love this band 🫶🏽

[@kerrysullivan8128]

When a band sounds identical/even better live you know they're really THAT good!

[@somegeezer4058]

I think most band sound better on KEXP than they do on their albums. I guess it's due to the pressure from record companies to pigeonhole everybody's sound into whatever genre happens to be selling at the time.

[@devidwobinson8747]

Yes. They sound better live . Amazing

[@micahclawrence]

This band particularly sounds better live. Especially bc Sam can really cut loose and get a bit weird with it.

[@colinwilson6701]

I’ll find out next month in England, can’t wait

[@conceptualmessiah01]

I'm a drug addict penguin eater.

[@YA-ck9gq]

2 years ago I heard this morning for 3 months straight. Now I started listening to it again two months ago. Same thing. I wake up every morning and listen to it

[@crocodiledabdee8342]

I’ve never been able to describe the sound of this band just a nostalgic sound I’m obsessed

[@beatrozvet]

Same. Just like war on drugs

[@tomhinds14]

You’ve just described it

[@Sogonrei]

I keep coming back to listen to this. I love it. Its cathartic. ❤

[@thebarf9235]

What sets these guys apart from synthpop bands of the past is Sam's unique vocal technique and the raw, almost primal emotion of his performances.

[@Sogonrei]

@@thebarf9235 I agree with the primal aspect of his performance and it's like a shockwave goes through his body as he emotes while he sings hes so expressive, down to his voice and some of his songs are like a prayer, a love letter perhaps a letter sent in a bottle sent off in a sea...or a poem he written and hidden away he finally shared with us...some songs are just uplifting period. I'm very chronically Ill and this is my favorite set to listen to at night when my pain is at its worst.

[@RudigerArbuckleIII]

One of my all time favorite bands! The pure joy I get from listening to their music is so rare. Also one of the best live bands I've ever seen. A special group in this ramshackle world. Continue doing what you do boys...love from Canada.

[@Jaydubbz]

❤

[@thebarf9235]

Man, their drummer is a metronome.

[@MGGeneral20]

Him and Anna from metronomy (what are the chances she drums for them) are too perfect at their musical timings

[@thebarf9235]

@@MGGeneral20 Indeed. I just checked out Wedding Bells. I think they may have named the band after her. haha.

[@HumanBeingWithFeelings]

isn't he using a metronome on his in-ears?

[@thebarf9235]

​@@HumanBeingWithFeelings Possible. I don't mind it if so. The perfectly in-time, ethereal music contrasts nicely with Sam's more primal vocal style.

[@HumanBeingWithFeelings]

@@thebarf9235 I love them

[@squirrly001]

Every so often a band,a singer...and the writing come together to perform magic. This is it

[@Gaetanokimi]

0:00 For Sure 3:21 The Painter 8:00 Born In A War 12:10 Moonlight

[@mikebowman5819]

Legend

[@wimvandebilt4305]

Wat een power heeft deze vent

[@ccastaneda1535]

Thx Man

[@pennyc7064]

Thanks!

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Thanks this band is so good live

[@ScorpioSymbol]

I want to thank The Show 21 for introducing me to one of my new favourite bands.

[@randumnesss541]

Same

[@austinb5063]

Same three

[@blopikhamhock]

Yup yup

[@agingxjerk]

Glad I’m not the only one tbh

[@ericrabaey2889]

The same!!! Greets from Belgium😉

[@morielchukrun5574]

The bass riff in born in a war is one of the best I've ever heard

[@rocknroller81]

Yeah, that bass part is awesome! My fave track off the new album, too.

[@shaunkemp9710]

Agreed

[@RabinAcharya]

As good as another one bites the dust

[@130leviatan]

Really???

[@ericrabaey2889]

It is a good bass riff indeed that leads this song. Have you ever heard (I suppose you have) the bass riffs from the band Tame Impala?... very good too.

[@lmiller5307]

I’m in the uk and these guys are without question my fav group. Superb albums and live their unbeatable

[@spiderslegs99]

His vocal is supreme

[@JulianReyesMe]

My favorite band in the world 🎸

[@PolyvinylRecords]

about to absolutely lose my mind in my office/kitchen

[@emmamusicien]

Hola, pegale una escucha! Indierock desde Argentina kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KzXmCgabOoas0

[@grungepants]

I hope you don't have housemates!

[@petergerbron2812]

just pulled a neck muscle head banging at my fuckin desk yes im 36

[@BlackAndWhite1313]

in the office

[@grungepants]

@@BlackAndWhite1313 *in the office/kitchen*

[@nickgaliatsatos1711]

Everyone has a handful of bands that follow them from their youth to adulthood. In all aspects of life, these songs play in our unconscious, characterizing and building our experiences, helping us get through the trials of life. Future Islands is one of those bands. Grew up with them. Their sound is within me forever.

[@cheeesonator]

How old are you?

[@derekbertman9106]

@@cheeesonator They released Wave Like Home at the beginning of '07 - More than 14 years ago now

[@AlexBleach]

Dude you summed that up so perfect this is definitely the band that I grew up with in my teens and 20s and now 30s I love future island!!!!

[@mikebowman5819]

Cheers

[@bpwatx]

These guys just keep getting better, and I love 'em.

[@chris908]

this quality is unparalleled

[@Auldhelm]

When I listen to this it feels like ice cream is being poured on my soul

[@JohnSchaeferUNIVERSE]

FUTURE ISLANDS SAVED MY LIFE

[@nolanwinkler]

Be still my heart. Love this band.

[@colinwilson6701]

Truly amazing, stripped back and bare.. amazing band that needs to be seen live! Leeds can’t come soon enough (november 2022)

[@anturiaethaucosmicadventur5364]

Hi Col. I am seeing them in Cardiff on Friday in what will hopefully be a wonderful night with a wonderful person!! Can’t wait. Enjoy!

[@colinwilson6701]

@@anturiaethaucosmicadventur5364 I seen them at Newcastle earlier this year.. amazing 🤩

[@blakemartin3546]

I have covid right now...Sam's curing me on a cellular level.

[@julianwarmington1267]

How are you going there now? I do hope you're better. What's your status? How do you feel?

[@chadhicks3212]

The song “for sure” is life fuel

[@jasonvotaw5966]

Me: 2020 sucks KEXP: Ah poor guy - Have a Future Islands concert Me: Sniff... ok

[@lornasawyer9178]

They make me feel like things here are all good for awhile.I know..I know. Great!!

[@pastry7322]

Me crying inexplicably (exhaustion?) while reading this comment: same

[@armkidmustang]

You can tell how hard it is for Sam to stay still singing these songs, obviously he dearly misses jumping around stage at live concerts

[@simonejaninefrank3577]

I see it...I feel him..

[@bruceaisher]

Absolutely brilliant - Sam's vocals sound amazing. Not the same without Cheril Waters doing an interview but still brilliant none the less - thank you KEXP!

[@IDAVFX]

Music of good old magic that lasts forever . . . . .

[@karlmeyer5383]

I don't understand how these guys continue to get better and better, but I'm really glad they do. 2021 definitely needs it.

[@larrypicard8802]

We in Baltimore are so proud of these guys.❤️

[@nt559]

You have to ... for sure.

[@leightonlee4108]

So you should be iam in the UK and 50 years of age and can honestly say this band are the best band I've ever heard beautiful beautiful beautiful music x

[@supermaxx1]

Yeah, BALTIMORE REPPING IT EPICLY!

[@ginolommano9326]

Good on ya..you should be all the best from the Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪

[@gnucompiler]

Also in the UK, one of my favourite bands. I honestly think As Long As You Are is one of the best albums of all time, you should be incredibly proud of them!

[@pileofwit]

The sound quality in this session is amazing, as is the band.

[@terrymyacin23]

Just discovered this today, brilliant band.

[@kayakruse3517]

Without Future Islands life wouĺd be a mistake.

[@nathanmorrischannel]

The Painter is phenomenal. Shot straight up to one of my favourite FI songs.

[@cameronhirtle7316]

Same man. I am loving that track right now.

[@mylefteye]

Future Islands... a nice combination of chill, euphoric and just something you want to getup and do some laidback dancy move. God they never let me down! 😁🤙

[@emmamusicien]

Hi, here some ndierock from Argentina kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KzXmCgabOoas0

[@alannewbury7833]

Possibly no definantly one of the most underated bands of all time vocal and musically original excellance real music is few and far between these days and this band are a rare commodity and a joy to behold on hearing every time👍👍

[@colinheaton6934]

I can't listen to for sure without crying 😢 what a song 😭

[@wcg66]

There's Dad rock, Dad emo and Dad synthpop. Dads represent.

[@janachovsky420]

Best Dad SynthPop by far

[@Reprodestruxion]

Considering how old Gary numan and Midge Ure are

[@e.priest8937]

Ya but isn't it cool that everyone doesn't have to look the part ? You can still make music without being that teenage heartthrob or whatever

[@konormccracken]

dad's rock 2020

[@lukemjennings1]

And then, there's that sexy ass Dad prog rock.

[@user-ov8wy1em4w]

What a great sounding performance, I could listen all day to it!!

[@neiloshodges2816]

These guys are really something else 🙂 Absolutely loving their music.

[@ericrabaey2889]

Me too. I like them a lot. They are unique!!!

[@tombousquet4193]

Dancing at home, cooking up something good 💙

[@emmamusicien]

Hi, here some ndierock from Argentina kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KzXmCgabOoas0

[@catalinsosa1078]

Set the table, Tom. I'm coming straight from Romania.

[@bruzalejandro2575]

Me too

[@jpdebrouwer3534]

I can listen endless to this style of bass playing, its my style of playing my bass, greetings from the Netherlands, I love your music, jp

[@kevinalexis529]

That bass is amazing

[@user-ux5wh4qj1h]

Born in a war is so powerful, gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it

[@2860frank]

Spent last 6 months constantly engulfed in the Universe of Future Islands - Major fan for life 🏆

[@pricemsw]

I discovered this band during Covid. They quickly became my favorite and I listen to them a lot. I LOVE his distinctive voice.

[@cristinavaldez1515]

Hemlock Ernst's voice fills a part of my heart that I didn't know existed

[@christopherrickus6282]

No one does live quite like Future Islands. Love them.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

honestly did not get this at first. but something compelled me to keep listening and i don't regret it one bit

[@kumayoga3183]

I can't stop listening to you guys, you are incredible, fills my soul, thank you for doing something so incredible

[@paladinadoplaystation]

Future Islands is TOTALLY PERFECT! ❤

[@JorgeTorres-ql6yy]

Why do i feel like these band time travel from the 80's to the future.lm lovig the sounds

[@YA-ck9gq]

i wake up to this morning. Brilliant

[@pacificbloomco]

The band did amazing and Sam seems recharged, his vocals were on point. Really enjoyed the album and this session!

[@simonejaninefrank3577]

Dude needs no masquerade...pure human on point. Can't wait to see them in Barcelona in march 2022. After that, I can die with a smile on my face. Amen😁😘😘

[@simple4976]

I sent these two beauty-songs to my mother years ago by the email quick after a few listens. Without seeing all the meanings in it I already felt a version of her story captured from it. 😢🤧

[@dclnmre]

very tight band. Beach Foam is a fantastic song. First time hearing it was late at night driving, to say it gave me chills is modest.

[@guitaremarine]

The most joyful and fast 15 minutes to spend chilling

[@phillipwoolgar7955]

So much soul! Unbelievable!

[@alex-ks2se]

there are so many incredible artist out there.. but future islands is something special

[@karlyct88]

I cant wait to see them live in Mexico this year! Especially hear "For Sure". I just love the sound of every instrument. I love the bass and Sam's voice ❤

[@ericterrell7486]

Like Steve Jobs talking about an Apple product, "It needs to be insanely great!" Future Islands is what that looks like in the music world.

[@colinheaton6934]

What a set of smash hits all quality 👌

[@bulbousbackwood5404]

Probably the best they've ever sounded! So good.

[@juarezmercante7052]

Só o Future Islands para nos devolver a esperança nestes tempos sombrios. Espero um dia vê-los no Brasil.

[@wagnerleal7931]

Relatou bem, também penso da mesma forma...

[@khigashi]

Iniesta é craque!

[@juarezmercante7052]

Vou ver Future Islands em Leipzig/DE, dia 27.10.22 !!!

[@Montysreal]

A crooner with grain in his voice magical bassist and a nuanced keyboardist the drums carrying this stretched out moment in time

[@aidanoflaherty9629]

Lady you got it in one. Well said

[@lindseywilliams7562]

One of the best frontmen I’ve seen live.

[@ancacristinamosut2864]

Their music is both sad and joyful at the same time, quite a rare combination

[@julioarmendariz8102]

I discovered this band when I went to NYC for the first time back in May. On my last night i was in a restaurant and the song “walking through the door” came on …. Instantly hooked

[@bruzalejandro2575]

Cada vez que vuelvo escuchar el dísco ,siento es mejor Saludos desde Lima Vuelvan pronto.

[@axdambient]

Huge Kitchens of Distinction vibes for this era Wonderful band

[@callumcopley6780]

This mix is totally great live.i miss you guys.keep it real and see you all soon dudes

[@ederluispasqual9685]

viciado no som deles, aqui no Brasil

[@walterteal8093]

Thank God for the show

[@nunoinacio6057]

THE PAINTER

[@ralphlazio505]

Dude; I love this song; it’s so whimsical.

[@veronicatirado5541]

I was watching 9 strangers and this song came i had to know who they were , love the sound and the vocals 😍😍 so nostalgic

[@wadeadams5483]

I love this band...It's like if Neil Diamond fronted for Talking Heads...

[@marissaldesouza]

Neil diamond vibes for sure! That rich timber

[@Ndlanding]

You hit the nail... I can't imagine _anything_ worse than the combination you mentioned. Well, maybe Englebert Humperdink fronting The Wurzels.

[@danguzman4676]

Great Music, again worthy of some Letterman Show time. Great Camera work on my 65" Tv I feel I am inthe room.... Audio quality is also superb. How I wish I could sing with this Band. augh

[@Bef090]

Wonderful to see you fellas. If only it were in concert! Beautiful performance from each one of you. Love your music as always. Stay safe, and fresh y’all. Love from NC!

[@stoneyonscene]

I'm so proud i got my start in some of the same places they did, this album really hit home! Thanks KEXP for this!

[@selenacastellanos5109]

No shade, I promise. I had never heard this band before and I really love the sound. I took a look and my immediate thought was the singer reminds me of an accountant who decided to get up at karaoke and blew everyone away. I dig it.

[@pigmilkmusicfarm]

Right!

[@Fabrizio-Baldani]

This band is dope! 🎸

[@santiago_91]

this voice ... is beautiful

[@leightonlee4108]

Simply the best music I've heard

[@FreshTake01]

It’s cray how Sam has so many styles and influences thank for you

[@Luke-cecilpod]

Moonlight is a masterpiece total poetry.x

[@Jyibe]

Got that high A on lock. Really nice voice.

[@edemarribeiro5627]

Os conheci anos atrás no Jools Holland numa performance épica. Entre o estranhamento dos movimentos e a sonoridade fantástica, fui descobrir quem eram estes caras. Fantástica descoberta! Soam novo até hj.

[@nwsmithphoto]

If nothing else, 2020 gave us this.

[@rememberallende]

Thanks so much, this upload was such a pleasant surprise! 👌 I have so many precious memories from their magnificent live gigs that suddenly rushed my mind and took me back, wow. It's so bittersweet during these trying times...

[@bobzmuda3456]

good but its just not the same without Sam jumping around like a banshee

[@dmitricarapezza]

He looks like he is holding in an explosion having to stand in one place.

[@craigmurdock4740]

I dont need it, the music is there, and if he's off cocaine then that's better

[@jacksonmcdonald5443]

@@tyroneshoelacez3498 consequenceofsound.net/2020/11/going-there-samuel-t-herring/ "Future Islands frontman Samuel T. Herring joins the show this week to share how he fell into the very dangerous and very common cycle of depression and addiction. Herring explains how this struggle has led to suicidal thoughts, a dependency on cocaine, and self-isolation, all of which has led to further depression and disconnection. "

[@joshuaaaa32]

@@tyroneshoelacez3498 listen to Addicted Youth

[@jnever9768]

@@jacksonmcdonald5443 if you actually listened to it, he said he was doing cocaine around age 19-20 and they even talk about the letterman performance at the 23 min mark of the talk and he never mentions any addiction for that performance.

[@Rmabney2010]

Roxy Music influence. I really enjoy this band. Smooth.

[@michellemijarez5137]

This band grew on me sooo fast!!! I saw them in Montana recently and was blown away! I love them and his voice ❤️ so beautiful. Bless Future Islands. They carried me through the dark and cold 🙏

[@aidanoflaherty9629]

Love those 4 guys Aidan from maynooth Ireland They are so good

[@JoeAyres]

Lost the love of my fucking life in 2020. This album has really helped me. 💔 Thank you Future Islands. xxxxxx

[@lucizane180]

Superb vocals!

[@victorraulllamogaangeles1170]

ADORO ESTA BANDA, EXCELENTE MUSICA.