PREVIOUSLY ON . . .

Monday, June 21, 2010

PICK OF THE WEEK | THE DRUMS

"Down, down, baby, down by the roller coaster. Sweet, sweet baby, I'll never let you go." 


As their Summertime! EP [SEP 09] fell only one month short of summer last year, The Drums are back with their first full length just in time for the hot months of 2010.
Their self-titled album was released back in May, but as the weather gets warmer by the day, and the sun sets slower every night The Drums become the theme to one of this summer's hottest flings.

"Forever", being the frequent term of the album, days and days, forever and evers, carrying the way every summer can feel infinite so long as you spread yourself as thin as you can over best friends, lovers, drugs, booze, beaches, parties etc. Because in the summer, somehow every day is your day off; At least it feels like it with this album playing in the back of my mind. If there's one album that reminds me of all the best amenities of summer, it's this one.

Bringing it down a notch from my springtime pick of the week, Surfer Blood's Astro Coast ['surfer sounds' from the 90's], The Drums carry an intimate, and more romantic 'summer fun' appeal. Kind of like the Beach Boys [but not at all]. All I can say is it's been a while since I've had the urge to go on picnic dates, hold hands, lay on the beach and fall asleep down by the water. I can only hope that come winter time that a full listen of this album brings all of these happy thoughts turned to memories.

I'm nearly ashamed to say I didn't know about this band until a couple weeks ago. After watching a series of their music videos, front man, Jonathon Pierce has already stolen my heart with his fancy footwork [in "Best Friend"] and his reserved dance moves [in "Forever and Ever Amen"] tricking me into thinking "he's going to kiss me...oh wait, he's just dancing." ;)

If you're not digging the sounds right away, check out some of the videos they've made.
Forgive me but this is just a 'visual' response: Vampire Weekend meets Psychedelic Furs. Once they have a chance to represent their sense of style, and their fun-fancy-free summertime in the city by the beach boys, you'll be hooked.





-Brittknee Withikaye, Editor