Islands 4/22/06 @ SoundFix
So, I just got back from seeing Islands perform a free acoustic in-store at SoundFix in Williamsburg. It was a 12 noon show, and I got there early enough to snag a seat about 5 feet from where Nick Diamonds would stand and play. The band rolled in looking a bit tired (the merch guy's bed head was impressive), but after some coffees (Nick would later wonder over the mic, "Where's my Americano?") they were set to play. The band is seven deep with instruments including guitars, drums, bass, banjo, keys, baritone sax (I think?), two violins, and a recorder. Nick opened the show by introducing himself as an author of a book and saying that he'd be reading some passages. One of the vilonists improvised some accompaniment while Nick read a few sentences and then declared that it was not the correct passage. He said they would play a "musical interlude" to break up the readings and they began their set. They played 5 or 6 songs including "Volcano" and "Swans". Nick was on guitar for all but one, when he moved to the keys and donned his shades and hood. It was my first time seeing the band and the sound was great. The various combinations of instruments made for a very full, very interesting sound and the songs were swirling compositions of peaks and valleys, reminiscent of Arcade Fire at times. The set lasted 30 minutes and it was definitely worth the morning trek in the rain. They play Avalon later tonight.