As far as weird vocalists go, Baltimore trio Future Islands are without a doubt a lot closer to the top of the list than the bottom. This is no better demonstrated than in 'Tin Man' - a track they've made available for download, and is taken from their forthcoming LP In Evening Air.

It's a nigh-on on indescribable vocal style, though I shall give it a bash. Nearly incomparable, too. The closest comparison I can think of is of a camp Brian Blessed, which seems to ring more and more true with every listen (currently on the seventh consecutive play, for your information). Seems even more apt given the subject matter.

"I AM THE TIN MAAAAAAAAAAAAAN. I AM THE TIN MAAAAAAAAAAN."

They look like this, should you want to stop them on the street and congratulate them.

Anyway, click your mouse here to get the track.

In Evening Air is released on May 3 through Thrill Jockey Records. On the back of this track, the mind boggles at what else is contained within it. It's their first release since re-locating to Baltimore (Yeah, The WIRE and all that...), and was produced by Chester Endersby Gwazda, whose name is about as fine as they come.