As I watched The Drums calmly take the stage a couple of weeks back in Amsterdam, I felt a certain feeling of déjavu tingle my senses. With neatly buttoned up shirts, impecably matched simple get-ups and a font to match their drumkit that vaguely reminds me of HediSlimane.com, it felt like Dior Homme had been revived and their new runway scoring band had taken the stage. As soon as lead singer Jonathan Pierce started to dance with Ian Curtis as his obvious inspiration and tambourine playing was taken to the ultimate hyperactive next level, I was starting to give up hope within the first few minutes. Luckily, at some point I was able to get past the complete aesthetic distraction and focus on what they were actually playing and honestly, I couldn’t complain.
Despite the fact that it looks like we’ve seen this whole act before, this Brooklyn band has something more to their music than all those that are now lost in the indie sea of the Noughties. While their onstage antics are on the verge of trying too hard, the band’s memorable beats somehow have the power to carry you away. The Drums’ tunes carry a melancholy tone of innocence that still has the crowd dancing. Their new single is no exception to this. “Best Friend” has a video that goes from slightly confusing to admittedly cute within a minute, similair to the vibes the band give off during their performances. Whether or not the awkward act surrounding their music will last, The Drums are a band worth keeping an eye as their music seems pure and worthwhile!
Thank you.. THANK YOU! Thank you.. We’re releasing our album soon.. thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! Thank you for coming. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!