The Future Islands concert at the Van Buren in Phoenix, Arizona on September twenty-first, was a journey of visceral energy, raw emotion, and spellbinding performance from the very first moment. As the lights dimmed, all focus was drawn to a single, glowing archway, through which each band member emerged like shadows stepping into the light. The tension built up to a fever pitch until the opening notes of "King of Sweden" dropped, immediately setting a powerful, high-energy tone that electrified the entire venue.

The lead singer, Samuel T. Herring, had stamina that was insanely incredible, his body and voice intertwining in a display of unfiltered creative expression. Each movement felt like an extension of the music itself, pulling the audience deeper into the experience. At times, it was like peering into a deeply personal moment, as if the singer was revealing something normally kept private, his performance vulnerable and raw. Other times, the energy between the band and audience was so tangible that you could feel the collective excitement pulsing through the crowd, fingertips tingling with anticipation.

While the lead singer of Future Islands commanded much of the spotlight with his raw expressiveness, the performance of the other band members was equally essential in creating the electric atmosphere that carried the show. Each musician played a crucial role in building the lush sonic landscape that made the concert such a memorable experience.

Gerrit Welmers on synths provided the dreamy, expansive foundation that gave the band's sound its signature depth. Which, was very cloud-dreamed when noticing how high up he was on a platform. It was a beautiful set design allowing the synths, and keys to be something that felt all-around encapsulating. His intricate layering of electronic textures set the tone for many of the songs, enveloping the venue in waves of warm, ambient sounds during tracks like "City's Face" and "Corner of My Eye." Welmers' skillful manipulation of synths added an atmospheric quality that made each song feel cinematic, his performance understated but powerful in its ability to move the crowd emotionally.

William Cashion’s bass lines, driving yet melodic, anchored the performance with a steady heartbeat that pulsed through the venue. His playing was the engine of the show, especially during more upbeat songs like "Seasons (Waiting on You)." His ability to combine groove with emotion gave each track a solid backbone while allowing space for the synths and vocals to shine. Cashion's interaction with the audience was subtle, but his energy was felt, particularly in moments where his bass would lock in perfectly with the rhythm, creating infectious dance grooves that had the crowd swaying.

On drums, Michael Lowry provided the percussive intensity that kept the momentum flowing throughout the night. Whether it was the driving beats of "Inch of Dust" or the more delicate touches during "Little Dreamer," Lowry balanced precision and power, giving the songs their rhythmic force. His drumming was both dynamic and nuanced, shifting between energetic, pulsating rhythms and softer, more atmospheric moments. The way he built tension and released it during the encore, particularly in "Vireo's Eye" and "Tin Man," gave the performance an emotional arc that kept the audience fully engaged.

Together, these band members formed a cohesive, immersive unit. While the lead singer was often at the forefront, their collective musical synergy was the true heart of the concert, giving each song the emotional weight and sonic richness that Future Islands is known for.

One of the standout moments was the rendition of "City's Face," where the intensity of Samuel’s vocals and the atmospheric instrumentation seemed to swell and expand, filling every corner of the venue. A personal highlight had to be "Seasons (Waiting on You)," a fan-favorite that had the entire crowd singing along in unison, the band's layered synths and driving bass line creating a euphoric wave of sound. The connection between the music and audience was undeniable—each song, an emotional release.

The show seemed to culminate with "Corner of My Eye," closing the main set on a beautifully poignant note. But, of course, Future Islands wasn’t done yet. When they returned for an encore, the crowd erupted. The four-song encore included "Inch of Dust" and "Tin Man," both of which showcased the band’s range, from brooding introspection to fiery outbursts of sound. The night ended with "Little Dreamer," a fitting closer that left the audience feeling both satisfied and longing for just a bit more.

Future Islands managed to deliver a performance that was both intimate and electrifying, with Samuel constantly pouring his heart into each moment. Moments kept to himself for you to enjoy from the outside looking in, and piercing eye contact that connected you in the experience. Every song, from beginning to end, felt like a gift to the audience, leaving everyone hungry for more even as the last note echoed through the air. It was a concert that reminded you of the sheer power of live music—the kind of experience that stays with you long after the lights come back on. It was a no-brainer that this band has been performing well over eighteen years, and we can’t get enough!