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

THE DRUMS | THE DRUMS MYSPACE 

LC 03 EP 09 | LTOWN

LC 03 EP 09 PT 01 | LTOWN from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 09 PT 02 | LTOWN from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 09 PT 03 | LTOWN from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 09 PT 04 | LTOWN from BDM on Vimeo.

BRYAN JESNEY | OPEN HOUSE ARTS COLLECTIVE | OLENKA AND THE AUTUMN LOVERS | A HORSE AND HIS BOY | GROOVES | LIONESS | AARON LOZYNSKY | PAT TIFFINLONDON CALLING | BIG ROCK UNTAPPED |

LC 03 EP 08 | FIERCE

LC 03 EP 08 PT 01 | FIERCE from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 08 PT 02 | FIERCE from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 08 PT 03 | FIERCE from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 08 PT 04 | FIERCE from BDM on Vimeo.

PEACE LEECHES | PROTEST THE HERO | METZ | THE PACK A.D. | THUNDERHEIST | BIG ROCK UNTAPPED | PAT TIFFIN | LONDON CALLING

LC 03 EP 07 | ARMPIT

LC 03 EP 07 PT 01 | ARMPIT from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 07 PT 02 | ARMPIT from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 07 PT 03 | ARMPIT from BDM on Vimeo.

LC 03 EP 07 PT 04 | ARMPIT from BDM on Vimeo.

PEACE LEECHES | ARKELLS | WAX MANNEQUIN | BIG ROCK UNTAPPED | JASON COLLETT

PICK OF THE WEEK | PLANTS AND ANIMALS LA LA LAND

Montreal's Plants and Animals sharpen their skills, but will it help the Hab's?

If Montreal's Plants and Animals made it a goal to up the rock and roll ante with their latest release, LA LA Land - mission accomplished.

The album is full of surprises and wonder, starting with unfamiliar, up tempo guitar riffs on Tom Cruz, which pull back melodically into Swinging Bells.  

This pattern of hitting you hard with accessible, singable and very danceable three-piece rock, followed by 'come-downs' continues throughout LA LA Land.  This pattern makes the work unpredictable and emotional - something I know I will continue to reach for, especially when people stop in for din din.  Track three, American Idol, which I hope Warren C. Spicer is serious about reveals that he wants to be '... your American Idol'.  I'd watch.  Warren would stick it to those sheep.  Question though, who would he cover?  Himself?

There's something special about Warren's voice.  He transforms ordinary words into bright episodes full of open doors, which he kicks down to take his game that much further.  This was also true for the bands live performance.  He seemed to be barely opening is mouth, yet the enter venue was filled with this sweet sonic sounds.  This was cool cause you could really be anywhere in the venue and hear them well.

Our BDM team travelled to Toronto to see P&A play a free show at the Horseshoe for the launch of LA LA Land.