Now we know what we’re going for – ISLAND on gradual progression of the band, tour life and what is yet to come.

The Great Escape adventure continues. Remember when I said that from my perspective the festival consisted mostly of the running part? Well, I think by this point I probably would have run a couple of miles. Not to mention, the rain. Yes, there was that too.

It was a Saturday afternoon when I was making my way through less sober crowds and happy faces. Barely breathing, I finally arrived at the Corn Exchange where I was supposed to catch up with the band ISLAND. Luckily, I made it almost on time. Believe me that was not an easy one but gladly they were in a better shape than I was.

Very often I happen to recall this quote from one of my favourite people in the world – Andy Warhol. You know, he used to believe that “aura” is something that only somebody else can see, and they only see as much of it as they want to. It’s all in the other person’s eyes. You can only see an aura on people you don’t know very well or don’t know at all. When you see somebody on the street, they can really have an aura. But then when they open their mouth, there goes the aura. “Aura” must be until you open your mouth.

Because you see, it’s one of those bands with definitely a brighter aura than the rest. Although, I prefer when they actually talk and sing, this is why I never fully agreed on this with Andy. But you get my point.

After a quick introduction and the exchange of pleasantries (the guys even compliment on my shoes and jacket – well, that’s a plus) we share some thoughts on The Great Escape experience and being here for the first time. We come up to the same conclusions which refer mostly to the necessity of queuing everywhere. See, told you so. It wasn’t just me after all.

Exchanging views on the line-up the band say a few nice words about Isaac Gracie, George Taylor, Mystery Jets, MONEY, and there’s definitely lots of love for The Big Moon. We continue discussing the girl power and as the conversation unravels they share more interesting stories..

Well, we lost James last night for a while – Toby Richards (drums) starts. So he wasn’t at our soundcheck today…

I arrived just on time! – James Wolfe (bass) cuts in.

It can be a little tricky sometimes – Toby continues. Luckily, he is the best looking one in the band.

I’m just gonna play I didn’t bring that up – I hear from James. I am the nice one.

He is the face of the band – says Toby. And yes, we’re friendly but he’s really nice. 

I thought it was more like I-hate-James day but it’s been really nice actually – James sums up.

Well, I think that’s a pretty good start.

At a first glance (or a first listen if you will) ISLAND, the four-piece deriving from Oxford, are the quintessence of soothing and compelling harmonies. However, it takes only a couple of notes to realise that when you listen carefully, when you actually pay attention, you will be able to hear that little pinch of unsettled urgency hailing from the drums, that steady bass keeping a tight rein on the rhythmical structure with magnetic vocals towering over euphonious melodies. Confident in its innocent power guitars and luminous maturity of the lyrics make you pause for a while. Then it’s just a confusing desire to move and stand still at the same time.

ISLAND have emerged on the music scene with debut single Stargazer meeting critical acclaim. Now, not long since the release of their Girl EP (Nov 2015), the band discuss the evolution and changes they have gone through.

Now we know what we’re going for

I think we’ve just become tighter as a band – states Toby.

And now we write much more together –  James adds.

It takes time to work out what the sound is – Jack Raeder (guitar) explains. I think, now we know what we’re going for.

You find a sound when you carry on writing and you’re not trying at that point to make it, because it’s already there – Rollo Doherty (vocals / guitar) clarifies.

I think we’ve learnt not to follow any specific genre and not to narrow it down – the drummer says. Just to keep it open. Whatever works, works.

As many bands before them, Oxford boys have got a diverse history of being in different groups before forming ISLAND. However, that does not mean they stray away from any arguments or fights.

Always – all answer quickly.

We feel like we need it – the bassist says.

It’s like being in a four-way relationship – Toby ponders. There are lots of highs and lows but that’s what brings you together.

Looking back at the past the guys reflect on tour life, how playing at KOKO in London was one of their highlights, how they like vans and how they are fussy about service stations. Just as they said earlier: Whatever works, right?

Life on the road, mate – the guitarist sums up.

And I do not dare to ask more questions about it.

Moving forward then. Apparently, choosing the name ISLAND for a band might have got some unexpected consequences as well.

There’s this band trying to be us on Spotify – Toby explains.

They keep putting other people called Island on our Spotify what is really annoying – James adds. It literally takes months to get rid of it.

We don’t like them but we really like Spotify – Jack mentions.

Spotify is great – they clarify quickly.

Of course, it is.

Being at a festival makes you discuss music even more than usual. This is why we talk about songs we’re not fond of (but I’m not gonna slag people off, am I?) and I find out the old classics on their playlists such as The Doors, Radiohead, The Beatles. As they say – We like bands.

So do I, guys. So do I.

Smoothly, from how we really like bands we move to the celebrity crush matter, and believe me, this is where it gets really interesting. Perhaps, now it’s good time to stop asking this question? Amaze me every time.

James does not have to give it much thought and goes straight for Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice. Rolo fancies Ariana Grande but asks though – Is that her name? – so I can’t be really sure. However, it doesn’t take him long to change his mind and fall for Shakira. Ok I’m not done! – I hear and as it seems his list is certainly not that short – I’ve got a man crush on Casey Affleck as well. And this is not all.

I fancy Johnny Depp – says Toby.

Yes! Johnny Depp is the one – James agrees.

I like Jason Schwartzman – Jack adds.

And I think we should stop on this one. We might have been carried away a little bit too far.

The rain starts to interfere significantly in between words and I feel it is time for some last questions. What’s next then?

We’ve got a new tune coming out – the drummer says. It’s called “Come With Me” and it’s a part of a double single with “Spotless Mind”. It’s probably one of our most upbeat, happy songs but it’s kind of mellow. It’s got a little bit of summery vibe about it.

It’s about relations – the man behind the words answers vaguely. If you know what I mean.

It’s about intimate relations but from the music side it’s kind of innocent – adds Toby.

Fun times – James concludes.

ISLAND have got a couple of festivals coming up this summer. Then they’ll be heading back in the studio and after that, the recently announced show at Scala on Nov 2nd which will be a big one. An exciting future on the horizon.

We’re very excited about it – Jack says.

Terrified, actually – James adds.

With a boundless and immense musical potential of theirs, that’s the last thing they should be worried about.

Personally, I really look forward to seeing and hearing what these guys have been hiding from us.

If, somehow, you haven’t heard about this band before, just don’t admit it and play the song below.