Beach Boys’ Al Jardine Releases New Solo EP Featuring Neil Young, Flea

Al Jardine, founding member of The Beach Boys, has released a new digital EP titled Islands in the Sun, his first multi-song solo project since 2010. The four-track EP includes collaborations with notable artists such as Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and longtime Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston, as well as Jardine's son Matt. The title track nods to the Beach Boys' hit "Kokomo" with a Caribbean-flavored sound and features a children's choir from local schools. Another standout track, "My Plane Leaves Tomorrow (Au Revoir)," is a duet with Neil Young and includes Flea's trumpet performance; it was originally recorded during sessions for Jardine's previous album but recently completed. Jardine co-produced the EP from his California home studio and is preparing to tour with Brian Wilson's longtime touring band, now named The Pet Sounds Band, after Wilson's effective retirement. The EP and tour mark Jardine's continued commitment to preserving and revitalizing The Beach Boys' legacy while stepping into a more prominent leadership role.