Islands

The Profile

Islands are a Canadian indie rock band formed in Montreal in 2005 by Nicholas Thorburn and Jamie Thompson after the breakup of The Unicorns. Known for eclectic, hook-rich songwriting that shifts from indie pop and neo‑psychedelia to occasional left-field turns, they debuted with Return to the Sea (2006) and have remained active with a steady run of albums.

Reviews note: Return to the Sea is praised for its emotional freshness and “complex simplicity”; Ski Mask (2013) is described as Islands’ 5th studio album—cohesive, hooky, and enjoyable though not a ‘masterpiece’. The band was formed by Nicholas Thorburn (aka Nick Diamonds) and Jamie Thompson after The Unicorns.

Two DeBaser reviews cover Islands’ debut Return to the Sea with high praise and the later Ski Mask with measured appreciation. The band’s Canadian roots and Unicorns lineage are noted. Styles span indie/neo‑psychedelic pop with eclectic turns (from glam touches to alt-rap). Overall sentiment trends positive.