Author: David Heinrich

Photo Courtesy: Mike Vorassi

Madison has been waiting on you, Future Islands.

Baltimore-based synthpop outfit Future Islands will be making their return to the 608 at the Orpheum Theater next Tuesday, October 3rd. State Street will be rocking along with the driving beats of Future Islands, led by lead singer Samuel T. Herring. Herring is best known for his expressive dancing and grooving, most notably from the band's network television debut. In 2014, the band played “Seasons (Waiting On You)” (then a new single, now an indie rock anthem) on The Late Show With David Letterman and Herring's moves went viral. Not only did he move his body wildly, he beat his chest and even growled at times. This is just a manifestation of the pure passion and emotion that Herring, bassist William Cashion, and keyboardist John Gerrit Welmers put into every Future Islands track. Stretching all the way back to their 2008 debut LP Wave Like Home, Future Islands catchy basslines with harrowing, introspective lyrics. Frequently visited themes across their discography include heartbreak, hope, grief, and moving on. The band's most recent release, 2017's The Far Field, saw them continue to tap into those emotions and deliver another heart-wrenching album. “Through the Roses” and “Cave” are two of the record's standouts, most notably for Herring's vocal performances. Future Islands have developed a consistent (and at times predictable) sound, but the pain in Herring's voice hits home every time. Madison music fans can expect an impassioned performance from the frontman, who is known for putting everything he has into every show he plays.