Erasure, Film School, Islands, Pearl Jam

ERASURE
Yes. They are still around. But you may not recognize them. On their latest album, Union Street, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell step back Erasure from an electronic band to something more primitive, unplugging the group’s outlandish experiments and replacing them with soulful acoustics. Previous album faves and b-sides are reincarnated like you couldn’t imagine. And, that’s mostly a good thing. (There’s even little bits of country-western shoved in there.) “Boy” is a b-side meant for the 1997 Cowboy album, and now debuts as Union Street’s first single. Think giant relationship-ending eruption with delicately subtle aftershocks. The acoustic compositions sweetly emphasize clear, crisp vocals that often were overshadowed by the electronic experimentation of past hits. Released last month, it may have been wise to come out in the fall after a graveyard of tumultuous summer love affairs have been put to rest. When you need to heal or commiserate, I can’t think of anything better to aurally mend a broken heart. (Appearing at the Park West on May 18) –text: Jill Dudones–photo: Sebastian Artz

FILM SCHOOL
If being derivative were a sin, hell would be piled high with talented musicians. While we seem eager to pretend otherwise, there are probably a handful of bands each decade that rewrite the prevailing equations. The rest of the musical landscape is populated by artists that are tinkering with the recipe — but not creating anything fundamentally new. Film School’s self-titled record fits into this category, though they remind us that this isn’t always a negative. Diverse and dynamic, the band’s sound checks all of the standards…Robert Smith, Echo and the Bunnymen…but in the end it is a satisfying listen, if not worthy of the “American Radiohead” title that some have tagged them with. The murky quietude of “Sick of The Shame” even delves into Pink Floyd territory, and the result is pretty artful. They also recently had their tour van stolen, a misfortune quickly replacing “banging Winona Ryder” as the rock star rite of passage. The van was since recovered but their gear remains missing, so drop a few dimes at the merch table and contribute to the cause. (Appearing with Cowboy Curtis and Fourth of July at Schubas on May 16) –text: Don Bartlett–photo: Peter Ellenby

ISLANDS
It’s hard to pin down the multi-faceted brand of geek rock flowing out of the musical hotbed that is Montreal. But with their limitless sound and curious lyrics, Islands definitely fit the part. Nick Diamonds and J’aime Tambeur worked together previously in critical favorites The Unicorns. They bring the same nonsensical fun and unshackled energy to Islands, this time ranging even further afield musically. Their recently-released debut, Return to the Sea, is a frisky mix of musical dramatics that takes full advantage of the services provided by bass player Patrice Agbokou, bass clarinetist Patrick Gregoire, guitar player James Guthrie and multi-instrumentalists Alex and Sebastian Chow. Their collaborations bounce along with snappy rhythms and an old-timey swellness that sometimes masks the complex arrangements and apt surprises. Diamonds’ lyrics warrant repeated listening as well, with his meandering stories of everything from environmental Armageddon to joyous love. Islands mark one of the more intriguing new destinations dotting the musical horizon. (Appearing with Busdriver and Cadence Weapon at Metro on May 17) –text: Noah Levine

PEARL JAM
Pearl Jam enters its 16th year with its eighth studio album (self-titled), and a massive world tour that’s still unfolding. It has been four years since the band’s last album under their contract with Epic Records, the spotty Riot Act, and the sense of a fresh page being turned in the band’s career is in the air. Yet, on the new label, J Records, it’s strange to picture the band as labelmates with the likes of Kenny G and Barry Manilow. Has Pearl Jam gone soft? No. But, with two consecutive nights at the United Center, Pearl Jam still has something to prove to their fans, old and new. It’s easy to meet expectations when it comes to stadium rock. The question is whether or not Pearl Jam has unknowingly slipped into the corner of aging rock band fighting to keep the fire alive. (Appearing with My Morning Jacket at the United Center on May 16-17) –text: Chris Castaneda–photo: Danny Clinch