The group was founded in 2005 by Nicholas Thorburn and Jamie Thompson, shortly after the breakup of The Unicorns, of which both were members.

Return to the Sea was re-mastered in England for the European version of the album, and was released there by Rough Trade Records on April 3, 2006.

The album features numerous guest appearances, including members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade.

After Return to the Sea was released in April 2006, the band embarked on their first full headlining tour, playing small clubs around the US and Canada throughout May.

The band later emerged the following month for two surprise appearances in Montreal, performing with a new lineup including new drummer Aaron Harris and multi-instrumentalist Kate Perkins, before departing for Europe the following week.

In an interview with Exclaim!, Nick Thorburn explained that the overhauled lineup was a product of his desire to try new things.

The album was released on September 17, 2013, followed by a number of tours across the US, Canada, and Europe, including an appearance at Primavera Sound Fest in Barcelona.

Thorburn has stated in interviews that he quit the band in 2016, but returned to it after writing new music that he felt was "for Islands only.

Alongside this reveal, the first track from the album, "Life's a Joke", was released, along with an announcement for a North American tour for the fall of 2023.