Future Islands played a sold-out three night run at Brooklyn Steel over June 2-4, with support from legendary funk-rock band, ESG. Fans were treated to the driving beats, energetic sets, and the nonstop thrills that have made Future Islands a breakout success.
Opening for Future Islands, ESG brought the exact energy to their funk-rock set you would expect from a band opening for the famously-animated Future Islands. ESG interacted with the crowd with laughter and enthusiasm. At one point bassist Nicole stopped the show and excitedly asked the crowd, “Is your mom as cool as our mom?” pointing to her mother and frontwoman, Renee Scroggins. The crowd raved throughout their sets, with palpable energy rising as they closed out each night’s set.
Future Islands took the stage each night to wild applause. Frontman Samuel Herring briefly thanked the opening band before declaring, “I’m not going to do too much talking. Let’s shut up and do it.” Samuel brought his trademark highly-animated style of performance that made the band a viral sensation following their network television debut of “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on David Letterman, which would go on to become the most viewed YouTube video in Letterman’s history. The entire crowd was jumping off the floor before the band’s second song concluded. Covered in a thick layer of sweat within minutes, Samuel joked, “It’s getting slippery up here!”
After Future Island’s third song finished (traditionally when photographers must exit the press pit), Samuel fist bumped a few of the photographers for their enthusiastic capturing of his performance. A rare show of class, as photographers are usually ignored by the talent. But in that brief moment, Sammuel showed a clear respect to the whole crew involved in bringing the show to life. He took every opportunity to interact with the crowd and photographers, leading to a dynamic and powerful show that was a joy to both attend and cover.
Each track on their setlist featured Samuel jumping, crouching, and contorting himself with operatic movement. Their set included several fan favorites, including “Peach,” “Plastic Beach,” “Balance,” “Like the Moon,” and their latest single, “King of Sweden.”
“We are meant to experience these things and remember them,” Samuel told the crowd before introducing “Lighthouse” with the story of the song’s inspiration. He told a heartfelt story of a friend who had lifted him from a dark time, and how he always thinks of them when performing this song.
Samuel performed high kicks, full body stage dives, locked his piercing eyes with several audience members, and put what seemed like 110% of his efforts into every second of the show. The band played with the same energy, pushing driving beats and deep synths. Each band mate brought something unique to the table. As far as frontmen go, some artists steal the show and some artists are the show — Samuel Herring is undoubtedly a frontman who is the show. And he performs as much for the back row as the front.
Before introducing their breakout hit, “Seasons (Waiting On You),” Samuel told the crowd, “This song is for people waiting on that special someone, I hope that someone is next to you tonight… if they’re not here that’s okay too. Don’t you waste too much time, now!” The crowd cheered and danced as the song played, reveling in Samuel’s all-out performance.
They closed the first night with “Little Dreamer.” Samuel told a tear jerking story of an old love and a specific room this song always brings him back to. He invited the crowd to remember painful moments throughout their lives, and never forget the most difficult times. “This is a dream. We’ve worked so hard for years to be here. This is a song we’ve been singing for 13 years.”
Future Islands’ sold out, three night run featured incredible setlists, touching and personal anecdotes from frontman Sammuel Herring, and ESG as the perfect opening act.
Future Islands is scheduled to play one more North American tour date in July, before embarking on their European tour in August. You can listen to Future Islands’ latest single and album here. You can also check out ESG’s music here.
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