More about: Low Island

Oxford alternative quartet Low Island’s highly anticipated and long-awaited debut album If You Could Have It All Again has all the ingredients to be a triumph. Coming off the back of a series of singles and EPs that have seen the group hone their craft and their unique style, here there's a mixture of rock anthems and pulsating electronic grooves.

Somewhat a combination of Matty Healy (who frontman Carlos Posada shares a striking vocal similarity with) and the intricate and enticing production of LCD Soundsystem, the result is a niche sound that draws you in. A perfect example of this is opener ‘Hey man,’ with it’s electronic beep, which evolves from the slow rhythm of a car door alarm into a percussion-filled symphony. 

‘What Do You Stand For’ is the lovechild of ‘PEOPLE’ by THE 1975 and Depeche Mode’s ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’. Hitting you like a jolt of lightning, the album displays early on that Low Island have the ability to let loose when the desire strikes. For the most part, the record straddles the line of ethereal and expansive soundscapes: see ‘In Your Arms’ and world funk-infused dance music such as the brilliant ‘Who's Having The Greatest Time?’, the latter of which is screaming out for a David Byrne interpretation.

‘Feel Young Again’ shows Posada’s underutilized, beautiful and striking falsetto which really soars on the quieter moments. He elevates and adds a real touch of beauty to tracks when he implements it. The record is a concise eleven tracks and is a great introduction for newcomers to the group, whilst also being a rewarding listening experience for fans. That being said, the last few tracks have a tendency to drift off, especially compared to the electric and enticing energy of the album's first few tracks. 

There’s a sweet moment at the conclusion of final track ‘What The Hell’ in which a voice note - presumably of Posada on a dog walk - reflects on changing his mindset to stop stretching himself thin, and saying no the things in life that stop him progressing. It’s a positive message and one that really encompasses the long journey the band have been through and the amount of hard work placed into a truly engrossing debut. It’s a strong start and we can’t wait to see what Low Island have in store next.

If You Could Have It All Again is out now.

More about: Low Island