The Drums: 'Summertime! EP'

Originally hailing from Florida but now based in New York, The Drums are purveyors of an intriguing blend of '50s surf-rock and the type of early eighties gothic industrialism exemplified by Joy Division and their fellow Factory Records label mates. With dashes of geek-pop and post-punk of the Talking Heads variety added for good measure.

This 7-track EP, released as a primer for their debut album proper due to arrive sometime next year, speaks volumes for the songwriting talents of front man Jonathan Pierce and guitarist Jacob Graham, who on first impressions seem to have fashioned something fresh out of some familiar influences.

Opener 'Let’s Go Surfing' is a brisk, deceptively lilting pop song featuring a sun glistened vocal, aided by a whistled harmony line but underscored by a Peter Hook-inspired throbbing bass line and tinny drum sound. 'Make You Mine' takes the same formula one step further by adding a surf guitar figure, whilst 'Don’t Be A Jerk' sees Johnny introduce synthesizers and a pretty female vocal to create a different dynamic. 'Down By The Water' is a slow, musically sparse ballad that showcases Pierce’s powerfully evocative, crystalline voice. 'Saddest Summer' is a throwaway, high tempo pop song and is the closest the band come to replicating the sound of early New Order.

With the 'Summertime!' EP, The Drums have produced a highly accomplished debut release. Whether they can expand the template and conjure an equally successful full length album remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.



Released on 12th October 2009 by Moshi Moshi Records.

Written by Sam Monk.