Pitchfork: Islands (ex-Unicorns) Announce More Shows

Islands (ex-Unicorns) Announce More Shows

OK class, let's review: Canadian pop freaks the Unicorns broke up last February. Two core members, Nick Diamonds and J'aime Tambeur, split off to form their new band, Islands. Are we clear so far? Good, 'cause here's where it gets fuzzy.

Islands had been playing secret gigs around Montreal this fall, tinkering with their debut album and preparing to launch a proper tour with a proper band (which appears to include Jim Guthrie of Royal City, Mike Feuerstack of Wooden Stars, and Patrice Agbokou). They supported Beck for a few shows, and will soon head out on their own headlining trek.

According to ChartAttack.com, that album will be out in January on Rough Trade (in Europe-- no North American label yet), under the title Return to the Sea. It might contain contributions from members of the Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, and Bell Orchestre. Details, as usual, are sketchy. And none of this takes into account the goings-on of Th' Corn Gangg, Diamonds' and Tambeur's hip-hop side project, responsible for that wacky "Do They Know It's Halloween" benefit song.

Confused though we may be, we can tell you this: Islands have just announced a handful of new tour dates.

I am a rock:

11-11 Montreal, Quebec - Zoobizarre
12-01 Toronto, Ontario - Drake Hotel Underground
12-02 Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen *
12-03 Dayton, OH - Elbo's $
12-04 Oberlin, OH - Oberlin College
12-05 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church #
12-06 New York, NY - Knitting Factory
12-07 Boston, MA - YWCA

* with Make Believe, Locks
$ with the Human Reunion
# with the A-Sides