News

The Drums Release Summertime EP & Live Dates

• 8th Oct 2009

Taking the unlikely templates of 50s surf-rock and Factory Records as inspiration and mixing in a new wave sound, brand new four piece The Drums announce themselves as purveyors of some of the most exciting new sounds to come out of the US this year. As the saturation point of female-fronted electronic acts has surely been reached in the UK, The Drums arrive with a brand new sound.

'Summertime!' is the band's brilliant debut mini-album, due for release on October 12th through Moshi Moshi Records (the label responsible for launching Hot Chip, Florence and the Machine, Friendly Fires, Kate Nash and Late of the Pier amongst others). The 7-track CD will be preceded by debut single 'Let's Go Surfing' -the mini album's opening track – out on Sept 28th.

Across all of it's seven tracks, Summertime! heralds the arrival of a major new talent: songs like 'Don't Be A Jerk, Johnny' and 'Submarine' showcase The Drums' updated take on 50s surf rock and pop, whilst 'Down By The Water' is a beautiful lingering ballad that wouldn't sound amiss on the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

First single 'Let's Go Surfing' opens with the most infectious whistling line since Peter, Bjorn and John accompanied by buzz-saw surf guitar riffs, and would be the closest song to pop perfection on this set if were not for the mini-album's closing gem, 'I Felt Stupid'.

Singer Jonathan Pierce and guitarist Jacob Graham met each other at summer camp when they were children and have been best friends ever since (apart from one particular argument that lasted five years). Though individually they've both enjoyed diverse and successful musical pursuits (Jon of former Columbia act Elkland, Jacob playing with various punk acts around his home state of Florida) the formation of The Drums marks the first time the long time friends have formally collaborated. Rounding out the Drums lineup are drummer and NYC native Connor Hanwick and guitarist Adam Kessler, whose musical history includes playing guitar in Pierce's former band Elkland.

Originally formed in Florida, The Drums are now based in New York City and are currently hard at work on their first LP.

UK live dates:

Tuesday 20th October – In The City Festival @ Night & Day, Manchester

Wednesday 21st October – Deaf Institute, Manchester

Friday 23rd October – Club NME @ Koko, London

Saturday 24th October – SWN Festival @ Dempseys, Cardiff

Tuesday 27th October – Barfly, London