The Drums are an American indie pop band from New York City, currently oriented by its founding member Jonathan Pierce. Known for its quirky surf rock riffs, melodramatic tender melodies and catchy lyrics, the band cite their major influences as Beach Boys, The Wake, The Smiths, Joy Division/New Order.

 

 

In December 2009 the band was shortlisted as one of the 15 music acts for the BBC Sound of 2010. Subsequently, they placed at No. 5 in this list on 4 January 2010. In NME's first issue of 2010 they were named number 1 in the magazine's top tips for the year as well as in Clash Magazine's Tips for 2010. The Drums were also voted "Best Hope for 2010" in Pitchfork's 2009 Readers' Poll. They won the Hall Radar Award for 2010 and were the most Shazamed band of 2009.

 

 

In 2019, the Drums released their fifth LP Brutalism, which is rooted in an emotional rawness but its layers are soft, intricate and warm, full of frivolous and exquisitely crafted pop songs that blast sunlight and high energy in the face of anxiety, solitude and crippling self-doubt. Jonathan Pierce brought in Chris Coady (Beach House, Future Islands, Amen Dunes) to mix it. 

 

 

It's also the first Drums record with a live drummer. Delegating freed up Pierce's time to produce a more specific vision. Now Jonathan Pierce looks at Brutalism as an extension of self-care, sacrificing ego in favor of tenderness -- “In order to take care of yourself you have to ask questions. Those are the things I needed to confront.”