Biography
A London foursome called Island of Love crafts an energetic blend of guitar-driven rock that incorporates elements of melodic hardcore alongside expansive, hazy post-punk textures. As the inaugural act to ink a deal with the UK division of Third Man Records, they have drawn parallels to Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr. through their intense sonic barrage and dense guitar layers, though their own distinctive character emerges from the vibrant enthusiasm and positive vibe in their compositions, as heard throughout the self-titled debut full-length released in 2023.
The band originated when Karim Newble and Linus Munch, guitarists and singers with roots in the local hardcore community—Newble having previously fronted the synth-punk outfit Powerplant—chose to collaborate. They began developing songs at Fuzzbrain Studio, the rehearsal and recording facility operated by Ben Spence that provides complimentary access to musicians younger than 25. Recruiting Daniel Giraldo on bass and Jimmy Guvercin on drums, the quartet produced an initial demo consisting of seven tracks, which appeared as the accurately named Promo Tape cassette in 2020. Following live performances that honed their craft, they issued another cassette in 2021, this time a lone track titled "Songs of Love."
Interest generated by these efforts secured them a slot at the Blue Basement, the performance space within Third Man Records' London location. Following only Jack White as the venue's prior performer, the group received an on-the-spot offer from co-owner Ben Swank to join the label, which they accepted. Their debut output under the imprint was a 2022 EP containing four songs, also called Songs of Love though notably omitting the single's title cut. Jack White further endorsed them by selecting the band to support his sold-out concert at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. To create their first LP, they worked once more with producer Ben Spence, while Jack Shirley—known for his contributions to projects by Deafheaven and Shutups—handled engineering and mixing duties. The resulting album, bearing the name Island of Love, came out in May 2023.
The band originated when Karim Newble and Linus Munch, guitarists and singers with roots in the local hardcore community—Newble having previously fronted the synth-punk outfit Powerplant—chose to collaborate. They began developing songs at Fuzzbrain Studio, the rehearsal and recording facility operated by Ben Spence that provides complimentary access to musicians younger than 25. Recruiting Daniel Giraldo on bass and Jimmy Guvercin on drums, the quartet produced an initial demo consisting of seven tracks, which appeared as the accurately named Promo Tape cassette in 2020. Following live performances that honed their craft, they issued another cassette in 2021, this time a lone track titled "Songs of Love."
Interest generated by these efforts secured them a slot at the Blue Basement, the performance space within Third Man Records' London location. Following only Jack White as the venue's prior performer, the group received an on-the-spot offer from co-owner Ben Swank to join the label, which they accepted. Their debut output under the imprint was a 2022 EP containing four songs, also called Songs of Love though notably omitting the single's title cut. Jack White further endorsed them by selecting the band to support his sold-out concert at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. To create their first LP, they worked once more with producer Ben Spence, while Jack Shirley—known for his contributions to projects by Deafheaven and Shutups—handled engineering and mixing duties. The resulting album, bearing the name Island of Love, came out in May 2023.
Albums
