It’s hard to tell why Future Islands’ 2014 performance of its breakthrough single “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on The Late Show with David Letterman went viral. Was it because the enthralling synth-pop song struck a chord with music lovers, or the unusual (to put it mildly) dance moves of lead singer Samuel T. Herring?
At first blush, the stocky Herring doesn’t look like a dancing machine. But once the music starts, the singer moves in a way that resembles the convulsive movements of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis and Elaine’s dance at the J. Peterman office party on Seinfeld. Herring’s passionate flailing is entertaining and distinctive, to say the least.
You can catch Herring shuffling around The Van Buren on Friday, May 12. To mark the band’s upcoming Valley stop, we break down the moves that made Future Islands famous.
The King Kong
The indie singer writes lyrics from the heart, so it’s only natural that he pounds his chest. This way, you know where the words really came from.
The Punch
Herring goes back to the gym for this dance move that hits you right between the eyes. Don’t be surprised if he lets out a growl or two as he shows off his uppercut.
The Side Squat
Herring’s aerobic stage presence moves from the legs up. He works his thighs and glutes with a dance move straight from a workout video.
