There has always been a sense of violence and of the visceral in the music of the Islands, but with Vapours it reaches a fever pitch. The album is filled to the brim with criminals, violence, death, bombs, guns, and other acts and instruments of mutilation and destruction. This album treads some dark territory, but you’ll find yourself unable to stop smiling thanks to just how catchy and singable it all is. Indeed, the first five tracks of the album are some of the best work the Islands have ever done, from the instantly memorable chorus of “Switch On" to the discotheque beat of “No You Don’t," and then to the curious, post-modernist title track.

In the second part of the album, things slow down and take a turn toward the dark and the gloomy lyrics are now underscored by music which is much more dirge-like. While there are still some standouts in this section, such as the bombastic “Drums," it mostly drags on to an unsuccessful end, with the overlong “Everything is Under Control”. These songs are not without their merits, but with the strength of the album’s first five songs, the difference in quality is just too great not to notice.

Throwing away the experimental nature of their former albums to focus on more polished, Spoon-like pop-rock, Islands created some of the best songs of their career...but these sadly all reside in the first half of the album. This album should still in heavy rotation to any fan of upbeat indie rock, with music that will make you stand up and dance while the tears roll down your face. That's just how the Islands would like you to have it.

Recommended Tracks: “Vapours”, “Devout”, “Switch On”

-Ryan E. Johnson