photo by Renata Steiner
Between the departures of multiple members and frontman Jonathan Pierce’s collaborative efforts, Brooklyn’s The Drums have been a consistent presence in the music press. However, it’s the quality of their music that keeps them from joining the long list of bands killed by the notoriously love/hate UK music press. Their second album, Portamento, was created at breakneck speed, with the band self-producing and recording tracks as soon as they finished them, and these qualities of the songwriting are immediately apparent. Urgent and spontaneous, the tracks are driven by a fragile tension that trembles through Pierce’s voice and Jacob Graham’s synths. It’s a beautiful and alluring strength that only a few bands can ever muster, so be sure to watch video of the band’s visit to KEXP last year below.
