BLOGS

There's an ineffable common thread tying together the music of ’80s greats — such as Modern English, Tears for Fears, the Talking Heads, the Cure, Simple Minds — that the Drums has managed to stitch into its own fibers. Say what you will about the oft-rebuked decade, but like most eras, it's returning to vogue, embraced by our younger generations and those older ones it never really left. And for good reason, because it produced some of the best music of our lifetimes (naysayers, there's the door).

The New England indie pop quartet released its self-titled debut LP this week, and it's already inching its way toward my Top 25 Most Played list on iTunes. I've peer-pressured many of my friends into listening to it, and the consensus is that the Drums are love. They picked Rochelle up out of a funk on a hard work day, and Jefferson aptly pointed out, "There's an Echo and the Bunnymen riff ... Played by Vampire Weekend," adding that "the world is a mash-up." Indeed, but what a great one. The progression of time lends itself to reflection of past successes, so the best things never completely have to end, just transform.

And if the Drums didn't just make the friendliest Frankenstein beast out of its predecessors' remains. "Book of Stories" borrows parts from New Order, "We Tried" is patched up by sounds of the Smiths. The basslines that were the Cure's secret weapon make appearances throughout the album, prominent on "Skippin' Town" and "It Will All End in Tears." A jangly chorus and electric beat on "Me and The Moon" demands dancing. Lead single "Let's Go Surfing" is one of the catchiest things I've heard all year, whistling its way into my subconscious at all times of the day, and even while vocalist Jonathan Pierce cries, "You're my best friend/ But then you died," on "Best Friend," those uplifting ’80s rhythms just make you smile — it's not sick and heartless when the melody leaves you no choice.

The Drums is performing with Surfer Blood at Neumos in Seattle Oct. 4. Admission is $13. And if you're going, please TAKE ME WITH YOU.

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douglas     1 year, 8 months ago

The Drums pick up the ’80s beat

I don't normally comment on current musc if only because I don't like a great deal of it, but I do like a good 3 minute pop song with great hooks, and The Drums have great hooks in spades. They would have made a great 80's "singles" band, but 1) it's 2010 and b) there is a sameness to their tracks which would turn me off after 2 or 3 songs. "Me And The Moon" (I like the fuzzish Electric Prunes guitar break) and "Let's Go Surfing" are very good, but there's this nagging feeling that I've heard it all before in their tracks.
Or maybe I'm just being grouchy.....

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