Music Blogs

Arm's Way, the sophomore effort form Montreal's Islands, is the type of album that can define a career. After the dissolution of lo-fi indie stalwarts the Unicorns, Nicholas Thorburn (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Jamie Thompson (drums) cleaned up their sound and dove into the beautifully orchestrated, psychedelic waters of Islands. While their 2005 debut Return To The Sea was a strong piece of work showing great potential, Arm's Way is the vision fully realized. A wee bit like a less aggressive, sunny day version of The Mars Volta, the adventurous spirit and sprawling conceptual nature of the material makes for one of the most ambitious and successful albums of the year. With songs that cover everything from Martin Heidegger, a "gothic symphony in three parts," and the true story of murderous schoolmates, this isn't for the light of heart. However, with lush strings and inspired arrangements the weight is never too much and we're always left with an escape hatch. Islands are currently delivering the goods on the tail-end of their U.S. tour, dates available here.

Name: Alex Chow
Band(s): Islands
Instrument(s): Violin/viola/percussion/keyboard/synth
Nicknames: Alex-Chow, KD Lang, Sebastian Chow, the high school sweetheart
Place You Call Home: Parc X, Quebec
Last album to flip your lid: Duchess Says - Anthologie des 3 Perchoirs
Album you always take on tour: Ratatat - Remixes Vol. 1

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus? What supplies don't you leave home without?

Empty bottles of water, but we recycle! I swear! Ok, we don't always recycle, but it's not our fault. Don't leave the house without the lappy, otherwise interviews like this never get done.

What personal rituals do you have to help keep your sanity while on tour?

I always put my deodorant on the left armpit, followed by the right armpit, then I spread it across the chest a bit.

Speaking of rituals, does the band have a pre-show ritual to help prepare for the stage?

Yes, Patrice the bassist always says "have a good show, mahn (sic)" then he raises his hand for a high-five to every band member. I take comfort in the fact that it's been the only consistent thing since day one.

Audiences come in all shapes and sizes. What's the screwiest fan encounter you've had?

There was this one dude who was wearing this loin cloth, the thing that Sumo wrestlers wear, and he goes to every NYC-area show. Oh, he's really huge too, probably 400 pounds, 6 foot 2 and he acts like he's possessed. And yes people have seen him naked.

What's the strangest thing you've seen from the stage while performing?

I've had people really shout out my name like "ALEX CHOW!!!" and felt really embarrassed, but deep down inside I felt really good about myself. I actually tell these people to do it during the show anyways.

What's the first thing you like to do after a show?

Head straight to the bathroom. Ones and twos, sometimes threes.

Tell us about a great road food stop you've discovered in your travels.

Ohh I don't know about great food stops. I'd like to say my own food, I bring this toaster oven on tour, and make my famous homemade pizzas in the hotel room, as well as BBQ chicken dinners. Yes, all with the one toaster oven.

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a (fill in the blank) because (fill in the blank).

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a Jascha Heifetz because he is the most incredible violinist of all time.

(Fill In the Blank) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Midwives are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your band mates will often reveal strange things about themselves during a tour. What stuff have your fellow musicians shown you that took you aback or delighted you? Feel free to change the names to protect group unity!

This one guy in the band, not going to mention his name...ghhahhg Nick!... he was like, "Oh tomatoes are in fact the only vegetable/fruit that's actually better for you when it is cooked." I said "False!" He said "rebuttal!" I said that the anti-oxidants are key in the tomato. He said, "Oh, well anti-oxidants are triggered when the tomato is cooked." I felt like an idiot, but really I think I'm right.

Name a few things we'd find on your rider.

Puppy dogs and undies. Then we like to dress the puppy dog in these undies.

What was the musical highlight of your last or current tour and why?

The musical highlight was watching this band touring with us called The Magic every night, great motha effin band from Guelph, Ontario, near Toronto. They are just the greatest kids. Groovy disco-y beats. T hey bobble their heads on stage; it's really an amazing experience.

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