I'll hit the coast

It's all that I can take and nothing I could do

If you recognize the headline that leads us into today’s post, I trust you’ve had a very reflective few days listening to “Hit the Coast” and the new Future Islands record, “As Long As You Are” — and if not, well, prepare to be blown away by the latest effort from the Baltimore synth pop heroes, one of my favorite bands (as you know if you read this newsletter!). The record has been described as “fitting yet captivating,” and I completely agree with that review. It’s fitting that as I write this post, I saw the remarkable and hard-working indie band play at Brooklyn Steel on this day three years ago, and three LONG years ago at that. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, as I’ve been, then there’s hardly a better way to go about it than by plugging in and listening to the energetic emotion of Future Islands.

It’s gotten me thinking about, of course, “the good old days,” and what it might be like to go see Future Islands again, and of course, what I’d wear and imbibe in the process of seeing said show. If you’re new to The Style Guide In Brief, those three things (music, menswear and, uhh, beverages) are what we’re all about here. And if you found your way here from my regular blog, The Style Guide, welcome. Lastly, if you’re an old pro and have been on this newsletter journey from summer on into fall, you know the drill. Let’s dive on in as we kick off a new week

What To Listen To This Week: “Hit the Coast By Future Islands

As promised and as you expected, we’re starting the week with a downright moving, powerful Future Islands track. “Hit the Coast” is, as Mr. Sam Herring said during last Thursday night’s remote livestream concert to celebrate the new album, a song about packing your car up and going for a drive, leaving the past behind and yes, hitting the coast. Needless to say, it’s been in heavy rotation for me since the new album was released last week.

It’s got all the classic hallmarks of a Future Islands song, from pulsing synths and churning drums to some seriously soulful singing from Mr. Herring. In fact, it reminds me a great deal of “Beach Foam,” a 2008 favorite off the band’s debut album. “Beach Foam” is another song about the shore and about contemplating the past and the future, so naturally, it’s a major favorite (“As the beach rolls in I swear, it’s bringing something to me.”). But back to “Hit the Coast” — it’s been in the back of my mind since I saw the band open with it during a mini-run of East Coast shows back in August and September 2019, and in fact, I vividly remember the band opening with this track. I knew I’d already love the studio version, and guess what … I sure do!

As it were, the band has said they sampled an old tape deck from somewhere around 2009, lacing it into the current song using an old loop from a vocal tape. That’s a bit of “inside baseball,” if you will, but it’s fitting — the song references … yes, an old tape deck. The point is, you can always count on Future Islands to deliver introspective, nuanced music that makes you think, makes you dance and makes you set yourself on a new path forward. If I could, I’d hit the coast soon. How about you?

What To Wear This Week: Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker

OK, so this pick is much less “what to wear” and moreso along the lines of “what to buy to listen to the new Future Islands record on repeat.” Master & Dynamic just so happens to be the makers of my favorite Bluetooth headphones, which I’ve reviewed over at my blog, and it’s only fitting that they’ve really gone all out to create what should be an incredible listening experience via the Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker. It’s a major investment, to be sure, but consider it more like a listenable work of art that’ll add a serious dash of cool to your home office, den or living room. And again, it’s a piece you’ll have for years, and hopefully, you’ll be able to listen to plenty more Future Islands records on it via Bluetooth. Stellar sound and stellar songs for fall — all that’s missing is a prime cocktail. Speaking of …

Shop Master & Dynamic

What To Sip This Week: Legent Bourbon Whiskey via Drizly

Outfit your home bar cart accordingly for fall — I covered a few home bar cart picks at my blog, as well — with Legent Bourbon Whiskey, my friends. Maybe it’s the colder temperatures and Brooklyn rain we’re experiencing at the moment, or maybe it’s the fact that I could really go for an Old Fashioned followed by a Future Islands concert, but some excellent Legent Bourbon Whiskey seems just the ticket. You’re going to be reading more about it on my blog soon, but for now, know that it takes the best of the best in terms of both Japanese and Kentucky whiskey expertise to make one heck of a nice fall whiskey. Note that of course, you can get it delivered in a jiffy via alcohol delivery service Drizly. All that’s missing is — you guessed it — some Future Islands playing on your Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker — bingo!

The Final Pick: ATOMS Model 000 Shoes via UNCRATE

I know what you’re thinking — “There’s no way he can possibly bring this whole thing around and tie in sneakers to the music of Future Islands” … right? Guess again, friend-o. If I were looking for some dance-ready sneakers to wear to a rock concert, and perhaps a stylish pair of all-black sneakers that Mr. Sam Herring himself might wear on stage, well, I just might go with the seriously sleek and comfortable ATOMS Model 000 Shoes as sold via UNCRATE. Lightweight cushioning teams with a knit upper, resulting in a pair of shoes that should feel light as air — and that’ll be mighty helpful for long days on your feet or else, a Future Islands concert down the line. I know I’m counting the days myself!

Alright, my friends. Are we feeling better about Tuesday? A bit better? I think I speak for the assembled when I say I’d feel a bit better if I could go to a concert or a brewery, but hey, you take what you can get. And right now, what we’ve got is the chance to upgrade that home listening experience with both “As Long As You Are” by Future Islands AND, of course, the Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker. Pair it all on up with Legent Bourbon Whiskey, grab a pair of comfortable ATOMS Model 000 Shoes and do what you can to enjoy fall. I know that’ll be my focus this week — let’s hit the coast, shall we?