The Drums were one of the most vibrant acts in Brooklyn in the early 2k10s, and they remain so. Their records are often compared to vintage acts like The Cure and Orange Juice, but they are clearly inspired by contemporaries such as The Tough Alliance and The Embassy. The group has seen much internal turmoil through their decade of existence, which brings to mind the constant interpersonal drama of The Beach Boys, their dominant aesthetic touchstone. After reducing to a single member in 2017, Brutalism expands upon frontman Jonny Pierce’s still fresh artistic freedom. “626 Bedford Avenue” features brightly strummed guitar that is more stadium pop than bedroom indie, while title track “Brutalism” is a wistful take on MGMT’s synthpop psychedelia. Mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) Pressed on heavyweight white vinyl.

• white vinyl pressing
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: ANTI- 2019

reviewed by ANGUS' BEEF 04/2019