Review Summary: Energetic fury and love.
Stark realism is hard to find in today’s music world. Too often are artists willing to just gloss over the trials of life by sugarcoating lyrics with sexual sentiments or braggadocio threats, instead of truly getting down to the protein of the sandwich known as hard times. While “feel-good” music isn’t inherently bad, a true music listener must also learn to appreciate darker lyrical tones, something they can truly relate to when they are going through hell. Islander, a fairly new band, is becoming one of those bands. They have a positive outlook, but aren’t afraid to explore the shadows of reality.
Indeed, whether it’s biting commentary on the state of the environment (“The Sadness of Graves”) or attacking complacent youth and the status quo (“Counteract”, “Side Effects of Youth”), Islander are violently angry. Lead vocalist Mikey Carvajal raps, sings, and raspily yells in Glassjaw-esque fashion, often transitioning between the two on a whim. Immediate vocal comparisons could definitely include early-era Andrew Schwab or Sunny Sandoval, though Mikey carries enough spunk to propel him and his band. However, don’t be mistaken in thinking this is the Mikey show. Guitarist JR Bareis (whom also plays for Love and Death) is all over the fretboard. Whether he’s Drop B- riffing, tremolo picking, cleanly strumming, or strangely relying on both octaves and pinch harmonics, he’ll manage to keep you entertained. Indeed, his performance propels many of the tracks, keeping them from becoming typical throwaways (“Side Affects of Youth”, “Coconut Dracula”). Surprisingly, bassist Chris Doot makes small contributions every now and then that barely, just barely, make a difference to the record (“Coconut Dracula”, “Counteract”). That leaves the drummer as the only one who doesn’t do anything unique (for the most part), though he doesn’t harm the band.
One of the strongest moments of the album is the vocal interplay between Sunny and Mikey in standout “Criminals”. A sludgy riff backs up a rap/screamed duel between the two men, offering an intense commentary on how everyone is a sinner, and how nobody is perfect. The tremolo riffing and unique drumming in the beginning of “Cold Speak” bring to mind a more energetic Letlive, while “Counteract” is a more melodic version of DBL-P86. Though these tracks have obvious influences, the already mentioned qualities allow the band to be unique. Both “Counteract” and “Side Effects of Youth” rage with fast-paced riffs and harsh vocals, and will please any lover of heavy music. On the softer side, radio hit “Coconut Dracula” and stadium-ready “New Wave” show the band embracing a more sensitive side. Instead of raging, Mikey reflects on how he wants to change, with the rest of the band painting the soundscape of said reflections. Finally, “Pains” blazes with an early-age hardcore energy.
Lyrically, Islander want change in pretty much every area of today’s culture. Whether it’s encouraging stagnant youth (“Side Effects of Youth”, “Cold Speak”), devoting love to a hero (“Coconut Dracula”), or lamenting over the current sickness of the world (“The Sadness of Graves”, “Counteract”), you’ll feel inspired after at least one listen. Mikey has the gumption and sensitivity enough to deliver the harsher lines with energetic fury, and the softer sentiments with clear understanding. You’ll be relating to almost every word he says the entire album.
Yes, along with contemporaries like Love and Death and P.O.D., you could blame the men of Islander for trying to bring back nu-metal. However, this is a fantastic debut record, showing a surprising amount of maturity for such a young band. With tours with successful bands like Red, Korn, Periphery, Slipknot, and P.O.D., you can expect Islander’s sonic breed of
Violence and Destruction to wreck your home with passionate, energetic fury and love.
