Rockers Islander have released their new single, a cover of the R.E.M. classic ‘It’s The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” first bit of music released since signing to Better Noise Music. The band took a break from writing their upcoming album to cover this timely track, in recognition of the worldwide pandemic and the toll it has taken on the Carvajal family having lost their aunt to the deadly virus. The band’s brothers, Mikey and Chris Carvajal, wanted to use the track to raise funds for a cause close to their (and their Aunt’s) hearts.

The band commented:

The world is being hit hard by COVID-19. Our hearts especially go out to the NYC community and everyone struggling right now. Our Aunt/Tia Lolin is one of the many that have passed away because of this terrible virus. So this effort to raise funds is dedicated to her huge heart and love for her neighbors. She was always thinking of others before herself. In honor of Tia Lolin, a portion of proceeds from this track will go to the NYC Low-Income Artist + Freelancer Relief Fund to support the artists and freelancers that are struggling in her hometown of NYC. We love you, fellow artists. We love you, Tia Lolin. – Islander

R.E.M.’s classic track was released as a single in 1987, became a hit upon its reissue in 1990 and re-entered the worldwide chats in 2020.