THE rise and rise of Baltimore synth-rockers Future Islands has been meteoric.

Ever since frontman Samuel T Herring and his bandmates graced the famous David Letterman show in the US last year to perform their hit single Seasons (Waiting on You), their stock has skyrocketed.

This is a band which formed in 2006, and already had three albums under their belt before the success of most recent record Singles, which the group self-financed.

On the strength of Singles, the band was signed up to renowned London based independent label 4AD, and as they say, the rest is history.

Of course it is the music that everyone has arrived at the Academy in Manchester to see, but the on-stage antics of Samuel T Herring are something to behold.

His eccentric, hypnotic and captivating dance moves are enough to keep the sell out crowd entertained.

As well as this, his diverse vocal style, combining heartfelt melodies with unrelenting growls, is reminiscent of The Pixies’ Black Francis at his loudest and best.

This is all while Herring thumps his chest like King Kong so hard that it can he heard through the PA system, and his snake hips boogie their way through the 90 minute set.

In contrast, keyboardist Gerrit Wilmers and bassist William Cashion stand stoically still, quietly providing the pulsating bass lines and the eighties inspired electro riffs which provide the backdrop to Herring’s showmanship.

A large chunk of the set is taken from Singles, with crowd favourites Spirit, Sun in the Morning and Back in the Tall Grass all getting an airing, as well as the aforementioned Seasons (Waiting on You).

The band also showcases earlier material, including the entrancing single Vireo’s Eye and rarity Little Dreamer, from the band’s debut album Wave Like Home, which closes the show.

Future Islands’ most recent UK tour comes after a euphoric performance at Glastonbury, in which Herring was so excited he managed to trip over an on-stage monitor.

The group is riding the crest of a wave, and judging by the rapturous reception in Manchester, which the band says has been a huge influence on their work, that will not stop any time soon.