Islands sign to Anti- for second album :: Music News :: Articles

The URL of the Islands' website reads "Islands are Forever." Even during the tumultuous departure of bandmate and co-founder J'amie Tambeur (née Jamie Thompson) in 2006, lead singer Nick Diamonds (née Nick Thorburn) remained unwavering in his commitment to the band and its longevity. And the recent news that the band has been signed to Anti- Records, home of rock greats Nick Cave and Tom Waits, seems to confirm that Islands really might be forever.

With the announcement comes the news that the band's second record, entitled Arm's Way will be released on May 20. Co-produced by the band and Ryan Hadlock (Blonde Redhead, Stephen Malkmus), the album has "been a long time coming, and it'll be a long time before it's gone," according to Diamonds. If Islands live up to their own hype, it'll be around a lot longer than even that. Perhaps infinity and beyond?

Islands are on the road now, touring Europe first, and then coming to America in mid-March for several U.S. dates that include two appearances at SXSW. The band has yet to announce the cities and venues for its full U.S. tour, which will reportedly continue into April and stretch into late May, but Islands have confirmed their appearance at Coachella.

While you wait for news of the extended tour to break, pass the time by enjoying this totally rad video, featuring lots of crazy cartoon animals, one of which is a cyclops! Who doesn't love a cyclops every once in a while!?

February
24 - Brighton, England @ Brighton Barfly
25 - Cambridge, England @ Cambridge Barfly
26 - London, England -@Hoxton Bar & Grill
27 - Paris, France @ Point FMR
28 - Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotown
29 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Merleyn

March
1 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
2 - Brussels, Belgium @ Botanique
3 - Utrecht, Netherlands @ Tivoli
9 - Pontiac, Mich. @ Eagle Theater
10 - Newport, Ky. @ Southgate House
11 - Memphis, Tenn. @ Hi-Tone
12 - Denton, Texas @ Hailey's
13 - Austin, Texas @ Emo's (Anti-/Utne Reader SXSW showcase) *
15 - Austin, Texas @ Waterloo Park (SXSW)
17 - Norman, Okla.@ Opolis
18 - Columbia, Mo. @ Blue Note *
19 - Lawrence, Kan. @ Off Broadway
20 - Bloomington, Ind. @ Rhino's