Just months after releasing his "The Close / Le Réveil" project, longtime Variance favourite Josef Salvat is back with new music. And a new album on the way. The singer has just shared a new song called "The Drum," a glossy, assertive cut inspired by the passing of David Bowie and also a preview of Salvat's upcoming album "Islands," which he confirmed this week would arrive on Feb. 18. "'The Drum' was written the day after David Bowie died," says Salvat. "His passing was both a melodic and lyrical inspiration. I’m taking a dig at certain people in my life, but I'm mainly shady about myself and my self-obsession." Salvat says of the album, "I think some of the best songs I've ever written are on this record. Some of the funnest, freest music. Even when there's sadness, it's more a wistful understanding. There's an acceptance and forgiveness of past fuckery and moving on. I'm proud of all of my albums for different reasons, but I think Islands is my best." He adds, "I've made the most major-label album while not being on a major label. I think that's because when I was on a major label, I was really trying to keep hold of credibility. But I chose to have that now – I'm not waiting for other people to give it to me. I love pop music, and it's what I wanted to make."