Set for release on 29th September, ‘Soft Fascination’ is a wild excursion into the latest incarnation of this ever-changing Islet; an assurgent album infused with hope and beauty.
Out today new single ‘Euphoria’ is a rush of blood: high energy beats and pummelling distortion. The album opener is a meditation on collective joy and a scene setter for proceedings. It’s a distillation of what the band was trying to achieve on the record.
“It’s about repetition and volume and feeling subsumed by sound. The coming together of bodies, the merging and separation of consciousness.” Emma Daman Thomas, vocals and bass.
The accompanying new video was directed by Emma and features dancer Anushiye Yarnell responding to the track in one uncut shot.
“The way Anushiye moves is so present in the moment and so full of life, she was the perfect fit for this song. We did a few improvised takes, all completely different, and chose the one that was, in her words “sensitive, understatedly crazed… re-channeling my cellular innocence and joy.” adds Emma
Self-produced and with the instrumentals recorded live with few overdubs the effect is direct, in your face and immediate. Recorded & mixed by Joy Stacey and mastered by Katie Tavini, this is a record of now. There’s a grit that brings the band closer to a spiky punk energy than they’ve ever got before.
“We wanted to do something that was less pretty than the last record” says Emma “more direct, more energy. The songs are shorter, leaner and more stripped back.”
The first half of the record is intentionally fast, intense, almost relentless. The second half is more spacious, with a largely instrumental track opening the side as the album unravels and becomes more hazy.
Here there is excitement and fascination and a willingness to show a lack of restraint in realising it, traversing hailstorms, hedgerows, broken promises and poisoned prayers; constantly breathing real life all in.
“The album is named ‘Soft Fascination’ after that state of mind where focus drifts. Attention is diffused and the mind can wander. It’s about letting yourself go, being part of something that’s much bigger than ourselves.” Emma
With the return of founding member JT they’re a quartet again, Islet have continued to develop, define and re-focus their vision with a breath-taking new album, ‘Soft Fascination’.
Set to release their new album this autumn, Islet will be heading out on the road for a number of UK live dates to celebrate the release.
‘Soft Fascination’ is out 29th September. Available in Limited Edition Clear Vinyl & CD.
LIVE DATES
30 Jun: Rebel Fest, Rogerstone, Newport, UK
29 Sep: Rough Trade, Bristol, UK
30 Sep: Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff, UK
04 Oct: The Lexington, London, UK
