The Drums
Based in Brooklyn, NY, The Drums are an indie pop group that combines ‘50s-inspired, simple melodies with the infectious jangly beats of indie pop. The band is the project of singer/songwriter and frontman Jonny Pierce, who began making music with childhood friend Jacob Graham as teens–the two formed the electro-pop duo Goat Explosion. After eventually splitting up to pursue other projects, Graham formed indie-pop band Horse Shoes, while Pierce founded the new-wave inspired band Elkland.
It wasn’t until 2008, after the dissolution of their personal projects and a short hiatus from making music that the two reconnected and began working together again. The duo traded their initial electronic-driven direction for a more back-to-basics guitar sound, and having moved to New York, implemented the help of a second guitarist and drummer to complete the current lineup. In 2009 The Drums released two singles, “Let’s Go Surfing” and “I Felt Stupid” in their anticipation of their debut, Summertime!, which can still be found on any summer jams playlist.
Fast-forward to 2017 and we have the release of the band’s fourth studio album, Abysmal Thoughts–an album filled with the elements of every great instantly appealing surf-rock album: jangly guitar, raspy, melodic vocals and simple rhythms that instantly make you feel good. The record’s lead single, “Blood Under My Belt” is the perfect lo-fi, electro-dreamy tune for the start of summer, and each song following keeps with the trend of irresistible reverb and sophisticated melodies. Each song is carefully layered through precise instrumentation and composition, which transcends into a soft, airy dream-like feel across the album’s 12 tracks, and this is consistent throughout the band’s whole discography.
Catch The Drums live at the Wonder Ballroom on Wednesday, July 19.
