The Drums

Summertime! EP

Twenty Seven

Oct 30, 2009 Issue #28 Fall 2009 - Monsters of Folk By Frank Valish Bookmark and Share


On its debut EP, Brooklyn-based quartet The Drums makes music that, strangely, is influenced by both Factory Records and The Shangri-Las. The music is stripped down and simplistic, with songs often being driven by a lone guitar or bass line, and frequently relying on the rhythmic devices of handclaps and finger snaps. The melodies are easy and carefree, often aided by whistling, and the lyrics address idyllic themes that are presented in a straightforward manner for greater affect. "Saddest Summer" is a jubilant, bouncy, melodic gem about anticipating the end of a summer romance. "Let's Go Surfing" is a song about catching a wave, led by a hyper-speed bass line and featuring both whistling in the verse and children's clapping game lyrics in the bridge. "Down By the Water" recalls '50s radio, with its simple bass-backed melody and lyrics of love. Overall, Summertime! has a timeless quality that still manages to be very rooted in the present. Beach Boys who grew up on Joy Division? Strange but true. (www.wearethedrums.com)

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