The Drums

So it is Winter in South Africa at the moment, even the British tourists thought it was cold. I stood outside my Sociology lecture today, talking to a fine young lass and it seems that the only things people talk about at the moment is how cold it is or how they miss the World Cup. 

On Monday I found something new to talk about. The Drums are a four piece Beach Pop band that hail from New York City. While I wouldn't call them entirely unique, I find myself hooked on their album like Amy Winehouse is hooked on crack. The band was initially formed by Jonathan Pierce and Jacob Graham, who met at a summer camp as young kids. Jonathan and Adam Kessler reached partial success with their previous band Elkland. Jonathan became disillusioned with the music business and left Elkland in 2005 to take some time off from music

It was in 2008 that Jonathan and Jacob were able to start a band together, something they had been talking about for years. They recruited Adam Kessler on second guitar to accompany Jacob Graham, Connor Hanwick was called in to beat the drums. By the end of 2009 The Drums had managed to earn a loyal following of the coolest of New York music fans. Their easy listening love songs and surf influenced guitar parts will get almost anyone dancing. The Drums have received critical acclaim from British music magazine NME and have been labeled the coolest thing to come out of New York in 2009. Their first single "Lets Go Surfing" has proven to be a hit with Indie DJ's all over the world. The Band defines their subject matter as 2 simple things "We only write about two feelings: one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once. The other is when you're walking alone in the rain and realize you will be alone forever". 

With underground success and a sound that I would describe as the bastard child of Joy Division and The Beach Boys, The Drums are set to have a great 2010. As Summer Draws nearer, I am secretly learning the words and perfecting my dance moves so that I can be one step ahead when the rest of the country catches on.