On "Seasons (Waiting On You)", Baltimore synthpop band Future Islands' emotive lead vocalist Samuel T. Herring proved himself to be a maestro of unfettered old-school romantic yearning on the band's breakthrough track. “Ran”, a single from Future Island’s upcoming LP The Far Field, largely repeats this state of mind while leaving the panoramic, expansive view showcased on "Seasons" behind to opt for a more personal, introspective intensity:
'And what’s a song without you?When every song I write is about youWhen I can’t hold myself without youAnd I can’t change the day I found youOn these roadsOut of love, so it goesHow it feels when we fall, when we foldHow we lose control, on these roadsHow it sings as it goesFlight of field, driving snowKnows the cold'
Lyrics: Genius
There's hunger, urgency, anxiety and panic in Herring's compelling vocals as he faces the thought of enduring the dissolution of an all-important relationship all by himself. The keyboards and drums set the scene and lead his voice occupy centre stage, lending a contemporary sheen on an age-old lyrical theme. The idea of a man baring his heart on his sleeve might unsettle those with more rigid ideas about gender, but even they will have to concede that Merring makes his showcases of vulnerability come across as empowering and poignant.
