Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Islands is a 6 piece band founded in 2005 by The Unicorns co-founder/songwriter Nick Thorburn (often performing as "Nick Diamonds") and drummer J'Aime Tambeur. Following the untimely disbandment of The Unicorns as they teetered on the brink of breaking through, Islands' debut release entitled Return to the Sea, with its quirky sounds and refreshing, catchy melodies includes collaborations with members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. This debut picks up where The Unicorns left off and takes the music to new heights without departing from The Unicorns' unique if sometimes peculiar appeal.
Islands plays beautiful pop melodies, intertwined with elements of afro-pop, hip hop, and indie rock, among others. One of the main gimmicks of the band is the recorder brought over from The Unicorns, which is prominently featured in the song "Jogging Gorgeous Summer." Nick Diamonds rules over the band with an iron fist. Other members include: Patrice Agbokou, Aaron Harris, Alex Chow, Sebastian Chow, and Patrick Gregoire. Return To the Sea, their rookie effort, was released on April 4th, 2006 on the brand new label, Equator Records, and Rough Trade in the UK. Digital Distribution handled by Alpha Pup.
On May 20, 2008, Islands released its second album, Arm's Way, on Anti- Records.
On September 22, 2009 Islands released their third full length album, Vapours.
On February 14, 2012 Islands released their fourth full length album, A Sleep & A Forgetting.
On September 17, 2013 Islands released their fifth full length album, Ski Mask
On May 13, 2016 Islands released their sixth and seventh full length albums, Should I Remain Here, At Sea? and Taste.
Vapours
Islands Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The vapours might take a sec
The vapours might make you wet
Well I hope I satiate
Home, I entertain
Hoping you get dancing feet
Hoping that you like a beat
It's some baseline in your mind
It's the sexy way to cry
You know I've had my share of doubt
Until I saw the vapours in your eyes
So watch me ventilate
Knock you off your feet where you stood
You'd keep dancing if you could
Well I hope I'm understood
Tears rolling down your face
The vapours are lumping in place
Guess I'm alive today
At least while I ventilate
It's the baseline in your mind
It's the sexy way to cry
You know I've had my share of doubt
Until I saw the vapours in your eyes
The lyrics of "Vapours" by Islands convey the desire to entertain and satisfy someone, while also acknowledging the uncertainty and doubts that can arise in relationships. The singer hopes to "ventilate" the vapours, referring to the tensions and anxieties that can build up between two people. This action could potentially make the other person wet, which could be a metaphorical representation of the intense emotions that can accompany romance. The singer hopes to satiate the other person's needs, to provide a beat that can get them dancing and enjoying themselves.
Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes the importance of the baseline, the rhythm that provides the structure and foundation for the music. This baseline is more than just a simple musical element; it represents the connection between the two people and the way they move together. Similarly, the "sexy way to cry" suggests that vulnerability and openness can be attractive and intimate in a relationship. The singer has experienced doubt, but ultimately finds solace in the other person's reaction to his actions.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more confident in his ability to "knock you off your feet," to make the other person feel alive and invigorated. Even as tears roll down their face, the vapours are dissipating, and the singer feels more alive as he continues to ventilate. There is an implicit admission that this feeling may not last forever, but in this moment, the connection is intense and satisfying.
Overall, "Vapours" is a song about the ups and downs of relationships, and the power of music and dance to bring people together. It is about vulnerability and the potential for intimacy, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Hope I ventilate
I hope that I can express myself and communicate effectively
The vapours might take a sec
It may take a moment for my message to sink in
The vapours might make you wet
My words may affect you emotionally
Well I hope I satiate
I hope that I'm able to satisfy your expectations
Home, I entertain
I am entertaining you in my own space
Hoping you get dancing feet
I hope that my music makes you want to dance
Hoping that you like a beat
I hope that you enjoy the rhythm of my music
And I hope you don't complain
I hope that you don't have any problems with what I'm doing
It's some baseline in your mind
My music has a groove that stays with you
It's the sexy way to cry
My music has an emotional power that can make you cry
You know I've had my share of doubt
I've been uncertain about my own abilities
Until I saw the vapours in your eyes
But seeing the effect my music has on others gives me confidence
So watch me ventilate
Watch me express myself fully
Knock you off your feet where you stood
My music will have a powerful effect on you
You'd keep dancing if you could
You would dance more if you could
Well I hope I'm understood
I hope that you understand my message
Tears rolling down your face
My music has an emotional impact on you
The vapours are lumping in place
Your emotions are overwhelming you
Guess I'm alive today
I feel alive and validated by your emotional response
At least while I ventilate
At least while I am able to express myself fully
Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aaron Henderson
I still love this shit, and it's almost always on my phone...this one, Rough Gems, and Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby
germanfuk
I think both are nice in their styles.
crimson cat
Its about being happy at some one elses sadness specifically some one who hurt you i think.
Eduardo Martins
it sounds like 'next time around' by little joy!
A
i needed help
then i found the base line
hit it in the base line
Joe Smith
XD so good
Crunch Buttsteak
sounds so much like Beulah...which is a good thing
click1695
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SONG BY THE STROKES BUT I CAN'T PUT MY FINGER ON WHICH ONE IT WAS AAAH CAN SOMEONE HELP ME? >___<"
click1695
aaah, right!! thankyou! It does, doesn't it? :)
/
It's funny, I first heard this song about 3 months ago, and I still haven't come across what it reminds me of. Could it be Weezer, Sublime, or something liek that. I bet you it's so obvious, right in front of our nose, that's why we can't think of it.. lol. If you find out let me know please!