Baltimore's Future Islands have an uncommon touch with injecting grit and claustrophobic stains on otherwise melodic new wave. Calling the first single from their new LP "Balance" has certain poetry to it, then. The record On The Water follows this summer's "Before The Bridge," and here we hear something like the Cure if Roger O'Donnell had some squeaking new synth patches with lyrics offering less mope and more hope: "And I can sit and talk, because I was just like you, so arrogant and brave, impetuous and blue / But trust me as a friend, I'll do all that I can do / I'd do anything for you, because I want to see you through / It just takes time / You can change your life." Trust:
On The Water is out 10/11 via Thrill Jockey.
