Is Tropical

Is Tropical emerged from London in 2009 as a cornerstone of the Kitsuné label's second wave, bridging the gap between the 'new rave' explosion of the late 2000s and the more sophisticated indie-dance of the 2010s. Originally a trio consisting of Simon Milner, Gary Barber, and Dominic Apa, they later expanded to include Kirstie Fleck, whose vocals added a new dimension to their sound. Their identity was initially defined by a lo-fi, DIY approach to electronic music, utilizing saturated synths and aggressive drum programming that aligned them with peers like Klaxons and Late of the Pier.

Their career arc is punctuated by high-concept visual collaborations, most notably with the directing collective Megaforce. The viral success of 'The Greeks' and the controversy surrounding 'Dancing Anymore' cemented their reputation as provocateurs within the indie scene. Musically, they evolved from the raw, dance-punk energy of 'Native To' (2011) toward a more nuanced and sometimes melancholic sound on 'I'm Leaving' (2013) and the ambitious, multi-part release 'Black Anything' (2016). Critically, they are recognized for maintaining a gritty, analog-leaning texture in an increasingly digital landscape, preserving a sense of 'live' urgency in their electronic arrangements. Their influence persists in the crossover space where guitar-driven indie meets club-ready production.