Out today Islet return with new single and video ‘Hat Person’ taken from new album ‘Soft Fascination’ set for release on 29th September on Fire Records. Uplifting new track, ‘Hat Person’, is a glistening synth-led track that’s expansive yet intimate. Elegantly impelling Emma Daman Thomas’ hypnotic vocals and delivery, it offers perspective with a dreamy mystique.
Directed by Islet, the accompanying new video is stylized and abstract. Like a painting brought to life, it captures a magnificent array of hats designed by Catherine Williams. Self-produced and with the instrumentals recorded live with few overdubs the effect is direct, in your face and immediate. Recorded and 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, 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
A wild excursion into the latest incarnation of the ever-changing Islet; it’s an assurgent album infused with hope and beauty. ‘Soft Fascination’ is a breath-taking new record that sees them refocus their vision and sees the return of founding member JT. 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
29 Sep: Rough Trade, Bristol, UK
30 Sep: Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff, UK
04 Oct: The Lexington, London, UK
