Album of the Week (3/25/2014)

Hello, and welcome to the first review of 2014! While many of you already know that St. Vincent released a new album (St. Vincent, which was exceptional, by the way), this review is focused entirely on nepotism.

And by nepotism, I of course mean that it's about a band from Baltimore, because of course it is.

Future Islands
Singles
4AD

Future Islands have been here a while, you just didn't notice them. That's okay, neither did I, until a ridiculous Letterman performance made them internet-viral-video gold. Turns out, they're pretty damn good, cut from the same cloth as Beach House (Baltimore! Represent!) except without the crippling depression or hipster cult-following. The precision and execution on songs like "Seasons (Waiting On You)" is fantastic, with just the right amount of guitar flare, New Order bass, and the mushiest lyrics you've ever heard. This is what pop should sound like.