Bookended by singing that sounds like a choir and guitar that sounds like church bells, "End in Bender" sets the tone for Out at Sea. It's wintry yet warm, sweeping yet disarmingly personal--and only five minutes long. It is quintessential Magnetic Island.

A year ago, Magnetic Island was just the name of a mountainous spot where Aussies liked to holiday. As for Brooklyn duo Renminbi? It had just released its most ambitious record yet, the Don Fleming-helmed EP Surface.

"Subterfuge" by Magnetic Island from lisa liu on Vimeo.