The lead Singer of The Walkmen continues to turn-out fascinating and layered solo-material.

‘The Rat’ was one of those genre defining moments back in 2004 that grabbed the heads of many, seemed to be all over the radio – yet only peaked at 45 on the UK charts, showing that taste is a fickle mistress. The Walkmen produced outstanding work up until 2012, the album ‘Lisbon’ being a favourite of mine. Since then, barring a reunion tour in 2023, Leithauser has turned out a steady stream of solo and collaborative material.

This new album is an uplifting one full of positive energy, also containing some production contributions from The National’s Aaron Dessner. I had initially suspected that the island in question was New York where he spends much of his time, however given the splashes of colour on the cover, talk of beaches and oceans it is perhaps somewhere a touch more tropical. If it is a holiday atmosphere, then it has certainly spilled through into the music which is more upbeat and cheerier than Leithauser can sometimes be. All manner of devices are deployed including mild jazz stylings and some slide guitar.

‘Burn the Boats’ brings his Dylan-esque vocal delivery into a track that is warm and full of colour. The chorus carrying full on ‘Doo doo’ backing vocals, as does opener ‘Fist of Flowers.’ ‘Knockin Heart’ is classic Leithauser and could have sat on any of The Walkmen’s albums, it is great. ‘This Side of the Island’ finishes things off in style with its shimmering and a rising ensemble with brass and strings.

Leithauser always used to sound like an old soul in a young man’s body. At this stage of his career his matured vocals carry gravitas, soul and even a bit of whimsy when required. There is much to enjoy here, and it is not demanding on your time, weighing in at just thirty minutes and nine tracks.