As the synths of “King of Sweden” filled the ornate confines of St. Paul’s Palace Theatre, Future Islands launched into a set that was measured parts of both nostalgic reverie and feverish catharsis. Frontman Samuel T. Herring commanded the stage with raw emotion and theatrical physicality that most other bands should take note of, his gravelly vocals cutting through the band’s lush, New Wave-inspired soundscapes as he traversed the stage. The setlist, a carefully curated trip through the band’s discography, balanced fan favorites like “Seasons (Waiting on You)” with deeper cuts such as “Little Dreamer,” showcasing the group’s evolution from their beginnings in 2008, while maintaining their signature blend of vulnerability and danceability all the way to the stage in St. Paul in 2024.
Herring’s passionate performance reached multiple zeniths during the show, The inclusion of rarities like “City’s Face” (performed solo by Herring) and “Shadows” (featuring a collaboration with friend and opening act Ed Schrader) added layers of intimacy and a further depth of sound to the evening, as if it needed more depth! As the band closed with the wistful “Little Dreamer,” it was clear that Future Islands had once again proved their mettle as one of indie rock’s most captivating live acts, their synth-drenched anthems serving as a conduit for one of the most entertaining and energetic shows ive been to in quite a while.
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