In 2005, Montreal’s the Unicorns would disassemble and regenerate as the band Islands. The Unicorns dabbled in experimental pop music that had a signature low-fi sound. Islands, on the other hand, lends itself to a more futuristic pop sound.

Islands was formed by two former members of the Unicorns, Nick “Diamonds” Thorburn (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and Jamie Thompson (drums). Since their 2005 formation, Islands’ roster has featured numerous contributors, both on stage and on record, including the likes of Alex and Sebastian Chow, Jim Gunthrie, and rappers Subtitle and Busdriver.

In a short span of time, Islands became a household name within the Montreal rock scene. Their 2006 debut album, Return to the Sea, was recorded in Thompson’s bedroom and featured members of fellow Montreal bands Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. In support of the album’s international release, Islands went on tour with Metric. Shortly after the tour ended, founding member and drummer, Jamie Thompson, made the announcement that he was leaving the band.

Two years later, Islands signed a contract with ANTI- Records and released their second album, Arm’s Way. Thompson briefly rejoined the band and appeared on their third album, Vapours, only to leave again in 2010. Aaron Harris, a band member between 2006 and 2009, would replace Thompson in the lineup.

Islands’ 2012 album, A Sleep & A Forgetting, was inspired by the break-up of Nick Thorburn’s marriage—the music on the album is considered the most sincere and direct music of the band’s career thus far. A Sleep & A Forgetting was produced by Thorburn and fellow Islands member Evan Gordon in less than two weeks—all the songs were recorded live off the floor.