The record that confirmed this group’s talent in the eyes of the world was actually recorded in frontman Jonathan’s kitchen; presenting Portamento, The Drums’ latest album. Critically acclaimed and with a large fan base, they are one of the most interesting bands on the indie pop scene. The New Yooxer met The Drums in person for a little chat about their music and their style, both decidedly unconventional.
How to describe their musical style? Perhaps the following formula will explain all: The Smiths+Joy Division+Kraftwerk. A truly British mix for a group of New York boys who have turned 80s pop from across the pond into somewhat of a cult sound and used it as inspiration for their originality. Founded on a childhood friendship, the band’s predecessor featured just Jonathan Pierce and Jacob Graham in an electro-pop duo called Goat Explosion. The Drums emerged in 2009 and by 2011 had already recorded their sophomore offering, sure to match their first LP in success and acclaim.

INTERVIEW
1. Your last album called “Portamento” symbolizes going from one point to another. What is the starting point and what is the arrival? What do they mean?
Well it basically is a word that reflects where we are now as a band as individuals. A lot has happened in the three years that we have been a band. Some good and some bad and we have transitioned as a result. I don’t know when or where it started exactly and I certainly don’t know when it will end. I think I’m just glad that we actually can grow and evolve – I didn’t think that was possible because we are all so stubborn.
2. What are your musical roots? And where are they from?
Well we started The Drums out of a love of pop music and we had two groups that we really fetishized over – The Shangri-Las and The Wake. They both put out perfect pop but in totally different genres and we took those two sounds and blended them together and came up with something of our own. We feel lucky.
3. Your secret musical dream: playing with…?
I’d love to play with Big In Japan. Not possible now…but you said “dream”…
4. About your style: the perfect outfit is…
I like things nice and classic but at the same time looking like you found it in garbage can. I never press my shirts – I prefer wrinkles and tears, but there is a fine line. Tucked in shirt with a casual or sporty jacket overtop with some rolled up denim jeans. And as taboo as it seems in fashion, I like denim on denim and white cotton socks into nice handmade leather shoes (worn). Last week I got a leather jacket from Vivienne Westwood and the rest of my outfit cost me less than 20 bucks. I like that sort of mix up. High end from head to toe is not a good look. But wearing anything from American Apparel is not a good look either. So mix Westwood jacket with old levis and an ill-fitting t-shirt you found in the garbage.
5. Your best live show…
Bestival 2011. We were very nervous and didn’t think anyone would really care. We had a bad time slot and we were introducing lots of new songs from the new album. Our fears were quickly flushed away as we had a huge crowd (I’d say as big as Bjork – who headlined the same stage that day). It was a sigh of relief and the crowd seemed to love it. Sometimes things don’t click together so it is so nice when they do.
6. A favorite drink…
I like Patron Silver on the rocks.
7. Never without…
My computer. I do all my recording on it and like to have it near me every time I get the urge to write. Ah, technology….!

Shop Portamento – The last album by The Drums

- FOLLOW THE DRUMS ON TOUR -
Jan-12    Brisbane, Australia
Jan-12    Byron Bay, Australia
Feb-03    Melbourne Vic, Australia
Feb-04    Melbourne, Australia
Feb-05    Sydney, Australia
Feb-08    Sydney Nsw, Australia
Feb-10    Adelaide, Australia
Feb-11    Perth, Australia
Feb-12    Singapore, Singapore
Feb-26    Liverpool, United Kingdom
Feb-27    London, United Kingdom
Feb-28    Oxford, United Kingdom
Mar-02    Paris, France
Mar-03    Tourcoing, France
Mar-04    Antwerp, Belgium
Mar-06    Berlin, Germany
Mar-07    Copenhagen, Denmark
Mar-08    Lund, Sweden
Mar-09    Stockholm, Sweden
Mar-10    Grünerløkka, Norway
Mar-11    Gårda, Sweden