photo by Brittney Bush Bollay
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased tracks, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Money” by The Drums from their 2011 album Portamento on Frenchkiss Records.
Though their self-titled debut album was released just over a year ago, Brooklyn indie pop outfit The Drums are already scheduled to release their follow-up, Portamento, on September 5. Because it was recorded so quickly after the success of their debut, Portamento thankfully does not stray very far from the familiar, catchy indie pop that caused songs like “Best Friend” and “Down By The Water” to worm their way into the ears of the indie community last summer. The band’s seamless melding of the influence of bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and New Order with a nostalgic sense of 50s, beach-inspired Americana (though they live in Brooklyn, The Drums are originally from Florida), leaves listeners with a comforting sense of familiarity with their music, while at the same time exhibiting a sprightly, youthful freshness that will make you want to get up and dance.
“Money,” first single off Portamento and today’s featured song, is a great example of The Drums’ staying the course with the same type of sound that made them one of the most talked-about bands of 2010. It features lyrics about wanting to buy a significant other something but not having enough money, an unbelievably simple drum beat, and a ratcheted up BPM that will make you think you left the record player set to “45″ again.
The Drums will begin a fall tour later this month that will see them stopping through Seattle on October 14, when they’ll be playing The Crocodile. For more tour info here. While we’re waiting for The Drums to come through the Northwest, check out the video for “Money”:
