Taking the unlikely templates of 50s surf-rock and Factory Records as inspiration and mixing in a new wave sound, brand new four piece The Drums announce themselves as purveyors of some of the most exciting new sounds to come out of the US this year. As the saturation point of female-fronted electronic acts has surely been reached in the UK, The Drums arrive with a brand new sound – they are an essential listen and well worth of all the excitement surrounding them.
Opening with the most infectious whistling line since Peter, Bjorn and John and accompanied by buzz-saw surf guitar riffs, Let's Go Surfing is three minutes of shimmering Florida sun-kissed, NYC informed brilliance.
Singer Jonathan Pierce and guitarist Jacob Graham met each other at summer camp when they were children and have been best friends ever since (apart from one particular argument that lasted five years). Though individually they've both enjoyed diverse and successful musical pursuits (Jon of former Columbia act Elkland, Jacob playing with various punk acts around his home state of Florida) the formation of The Drums marks the first time the long time friends have formally collaborated. Rounding out the Drums lineup are drummer and NYC native Connor Hanwick and guitarist Adam Kessler, whose musical history includes playing guitar in Pierce’s former band Elkland.
"We originally set out to start a band that sounded like The Wake." Say the boys. "We heard their song 'Pale Spectre' and went crazy! In the end, our music didn't turn out sounding too much like The Wake but we’re inspired by so many of our musical heroes that the references ended up sounding really diverse. We're really just chasing that perfect pop song."
Released on Moshi Moshi Records (the label responsible for launching Hot Chip, Florence and the Machine, Friendly Fires, Kate Nash and Late of the Pier) The Drums' debut single Let's Go Surfing may not sound much like The Wake, but in terms of finding pop perfection they definitely hit their mark.
Originally formed in Florida, The Drums are now based in New York City and are currently hard at work on their first LP. This will be preceded by their brilliant mini-album Summertime! In October (also on Moshi Moshi).
UK live dates to be announced shortly.
