ISLAND is one of the most exciting groups to come out of the UK in recent memory. Vocalist Rollo Doherty, guitarist Jack Raeder, bassist James Wolfe, and drummer Toby Richards have locked down a distinctive and hard hitting sound that is impossible to ignore. Their latest single, “Everyone’s the Same”, is a gushing denunciation of the notion that individuals cannot make a real difference. ISLAND laments both social and individual disconnects in a manner that edges the border between contemplative disgust and assertive rejection. “Everyone’s the Same” is a track that permeates its most obvious statements and has power to induce legitimate criticism of collectivism and identity politics.
ISLAND’s latest single is a down-tempo, powerful, garage-rock banger with real substance. Doherty’s frustrated vocals fluctuate between a Liam Gallagher-esq coolness and unfeathered rage. The musical backbone of “Everyone’s the Same” is its swinging rhythm, maintained in cool guitar licks, thumping snare hits, and distorted bass. Each musical element is capable of standing alone, perhaps a testament to the track’s core message: each member of the group is given room to shine and make their impact heard. Summarily, ISLAND seems to have limitless potential. Any glass ceiling they may encounter is destined to be broken through. Rich in sonic nuances and lyrical content, “Everyone’s the Same” is an incredibly impactful song that deserves to be listened to on repeat (as I have been while writing this post). However, regardless of how hard I try to capture ISLAND’s intention, my efforts pale in comparison Doherty’s own account of the track’s true sentiment:
“I’d been getting really frustrated with this idea that as individuals our actions aren’t able to make a difference on the collective impact we’re having on the world, the idea that we’re all destined to have a negative influence on the environment just by existing, and that everyone is equally guilty. But the song is intended to be broader than that, and to capture that feeling of frustration at being told what you’re worth.”
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