Inland Isle - Time Has Changed Us (2021)

A strong debut that addresses some important issues and marks Inland Isle out as ones to watch.

Life in America continues to be arduous for many, so with their full length debut ‘Time Has Changed Us’, the Jackson, Wyoming based Inland Isle have decided it’s time to evaluate the impact of the pain running through the country and the collateral damage it inevitably causes to its citizens. This is summed up nowhere better than on the opening title track where lead singer Pat Chadwick sings of the distress the politics around him is causing not just at large, but also in regards to a personal relationship: “Grieving for our country / Lost sight of my home / My hands left your side / To fumble with my phone / Little tragedies I didn’t need to know”.

Recorded in a Montana cabin, the album was produced and engineered by drummer Shaun Flemming pulling triple duty, but it was mastered by Brian Lucey. Lucey’s varied career has seen him previously work with acts like The Black Keys and The Shins, and there is a lot of that beguilingly effortless indie rock cool with a folk twist to enjoy here, showcased perfectly on the way the mournful regretfulness of ‘Analise’ manages to still sparkle despite the lyrics, lush vocals harmonies and all.