CD of The Week

The band Islands has given us a fairly steady progression through each album they have released, from the less-developed rawness of their debut, Return to the Sea, to their third, more experimental and electronic, Vapours. We’ve seen them grow instrumentally, vocally and lyrically through the years. For their fourth release, A Sleep & A Forgetting, we find their most mature effort yet, with rich instrumentals and smoother melodies overall. Inspiration for the album came on a Valentine's Day, from a recent breakup, which sparked a special bond with a conveniently situated piano in a new location, as Nick Thorburn’s broken heart poured out the songs for it (and then decidedly released it on a Valentine’s Day, of course).

Thorburn’s voice is such a powerful force throughout the album, and possibly at its best in “Oh Maria,” as he transitions between high and low harmonies — such a beautiful song, especially the way it is sung. The gentle rhythm of “This is Not a Song” makes it the perfect this-is-not-a-love-song song to slow-dance to. “Lonely Love” offers an alliterated wish for a willful departure from the lonely island of an unrequited love (a Hawaiian one, at that).

Mixed in with the slower numbers are a few livelier tunes that add a pleasant, upbeat break from the heartache. “Never Go Solo” has a dramatic, theatrical piano that never lets up, working perfectly to emphasize the biting wit of the lyrics. “Hallways” is absolutely grand, with its thumping ragtime beat and sweeping, high-strung piano chords. “Can’t Feel My Face” is another awesome fast-paced track with fun elements like an accordion-synth and bamboo sticks.

A Sleep & A Forgetting has a little something for most of us, whatever our relationship with love, loss, or life may be.