Sporting a thematically gripping music video alongside its hooky, charismatic pop production, “Headlines” is a new track from Islands. The project of Nick Thorburn has grabbed our attention for some time now, dating back to his work with The Unicorns, and also with Islands — with their 2006 album Return to the Sea being one of our favorites from that year.
The track’s music video (above) is directed by Vali Chandrasekaran, known for his work as a comedy writer on shows like Modern Family and 30 Rock. Per the project, the video is “about an artist trying to steel himself to go on another tour, to transform himself from the flesh and blood man, with the weight of real life on him, into the rockstar, an idealized version of himself, ready to give everything for his music and the audience. The transformation always takes a lot out of the artist, but the other side is, ironically, where he feels the best.”
“Headlines” touts a stellar dynamic outpouring, from the “I could see the headline,” traversal into twinkling piano glistening and the ensuing sequence — a more forceful, brass-laden energy with ample hookiness, complemented by the video’s dance-party in a carwash vibe. “Headlines” is another creative tour-de-force from Islands.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2023’ Spotify playlist.
