The Drums: It’s Never Too Late For Summertime!
February 13, 2010 by nataly
Filed under Cause We Said So, Featured
This might not be new news to you but The Brooklyn/ Florida based band, The Drums are great. I realize I am almost an entire year late but it is never too late to enjoy the simple, frank, sunny sounds of The Drums.
The summer of 2009 was one filled with great music. But most of the sunny beach sounds were coming from lo-fi, chill wave, hazy bands. The Drums are far from falling into that category. Yes, they are indie like all the other summery bands of 2009 but they are successful not for their cryptic lyrics, or overly synthesized tracks but for their minimalistic nature.
Whistling, clapping, drums, guitar, and yes, some synth are the genetic make up for the infectiously catchy tunes. It is impossible to dislike these songs. You don’t have to think about the deeper meaning of the lyrics, they are what they say they are. You don’t have to decipher the melody, it’s right in front of your face, and you don’t have to wonder what the foreign sounds are, basic instruments are their tools, no spoons here. Even the most cynical, philosophical of us need a sugary, sunny break and The Drums provides us with a super fun one.
The Drums’ members are Jonathan Pierce, Jacob Graham, Adam Kessler and Connor Hanwick. Together these dudes make songs that bring the sun, speak to the beach, and remind you of young love. “Saddest Summer” despite the unhappy lyrics disperses a cheerful and poppy melody. I can’t help but jump and bop my head from side to side while listening. With the exception of “Down By the Water” all seven songs on the EP Summertime! have prime head bop-ability. “Down By the Water” offers a softer, sweeter sandy, sunscreen-lathered ballad.
Summertime! was released last year but the sound it brings is timeless. The beach, sun and kissing will always be around and so will the pleasure I get from listening to this album. Although the songs are best when set to warm temps and water, they can be enjoyed in blizzards as well. So, even if it’s old news to you dig up your The Drums EP and give it a listen.