The Drums

The Snap n' sway, the squirm n' twist, the bangs flick, just a few of Jonny Pierce's signature dance moves. Pierce is a passionate vocalist. His dark romanticism transcends it's energy beyond the studio to the stage, emanating a one of kind experience. The Drums are at Bottom Lounge slashing the tally for times I’ve seen them perform. Each encounter unique and memorable. Their mantra remains, a duo confident in what they create and reflecting that during their live set. Drums unveiled their 3rd proper, “Encyclopedia” in September. I was eager to see how they would execute the synthy sometimes sci-fi moments from the latest record. Prior to showtime I scan the gear on stage, amidst the fog ambiance appears a giant box encased in wood. Later I realize it's a vintage synth with enough knobs you would need an array of tentacles to turn them all. Lights dim, crowd erupts. Out walks Jacob Graham along with the 3 other touring members of the band. No sign of Pierce. Graham fires up the synth box, opening the show with otherworldly dystopia track, “Bell Laboratories”. And heeeere's Jonny. Crowd loses it as he echos the lyrics “Get in the Car”. Seat belt fastened I'm ready to take this ride. Fascinated by how tight the backing band is, to learn the Drums catalogue and execute it to perfection is impressive. Especially with the faster and more intricate guitar riffs on the new record. Splitting the reps between the first two albums and Encyclopedia Drums play a satisfying set, with a handful of encores. Highlights being the starry “Me and the Moon”, “Let's go Surfing”, “I Hope Time Doesn't Change Him” and closing ballad “Down By The Water” From formation until now The Drums fan base has vastly grown. Since seeing them for the first time in 2010, where a handful of fans sang-along, fast forward 4 years to 2014 where everyone is now in harmony with one other thru the entire show. Although I cannot declare this the best Drums concert I’ve attended, it comes damn close.

It was difficult to know quite what to make of The Drums when they burst onto the scene with ‘Lets Go Surfing’ back in 2010; on the one hand, you could be forgiven for being cynical about a band who a) had barely any live experience before they were booked to open the NME Awards Tour and b) appeared so in thrall to obvious California surf-pop influences - The Beach Boys, especially - that it was difficult to discern whether there was so much as a shred of originality to their work. To their credit, though, they quickly reached the stage where they were headlining the kinds of venues that they’d been opening at just months earlier; they might not be stylistic trail blazers, but a considerable live following will have had no hesitation in telling you that they were plenty of fun, delivering quickfire, high-energy sets that fizzed with the kind of youthful vigour that their music was so concerned with. Expect them to make a live comeback before long, too, with another record in the works and a new single, ‘Magic Mountain’, having just been announced; after their last album, Portamento, flew under the radar, that new single suggests that they’re returning to the sound of their debut.

IT WAS AMAZING. My first concert ever and I'm so glad it was them, they were amazing. They did amazing and Jonny held my hand!!! So many people were crowd surfing and you'd be getting mashed by everyone around you and people would land on you and you'd have to catch them, but I was ok with it because it was so fun and just felt so good in the moment. Day after I'm pretty sore, but super satisfied. If you're claustrophobic hide in the corner because no one was afraid of space in there. Both the drums and froth did an amazing job, thanks!!

Johnny was very good last night at the Metro in Chicago. The crowd was there to hear some of the new songs and he played 4 of them. He threw in some of the best songs from the past and finished strong. JP was a bit more laid back than usual and actually looked happy. The bowl haircut was very short and his outfit was subdued...I would have liked to see more swagger and swaying but all in all it was better than most concerts. The Drums are still on top of the alternative music food chain.

It had been 3yrs since I saw The Drums live and I could not have asked for a greater show! Their performance at Scala in London was nothing short of amazing. The setlist was a perfect blend of tracks from the new album and old fan faves at some point the audience singing even louder than Johnny himself. Lead singer from the opening band Beverly joined in for Don't Be A Jerk which was great. If they are playing near you I highly recommend checking them out. You will not be disappointed!

The Drums were SUPERB live! The band sounded great, and they knew exactly what the crowd wanted to hear. You couldn't help but move and dance to their music. Light show went perfectly with the music. Loved the dance moves and energy of Johnny, the lead singer. They came out for an encore and also played a few unplanned songs for the SF fans. Wow! Thank you for coming to the Bay! It was an unforgettable night - one of the best shows my boyfriend and I have ever been too!

The gig was incredible! The crowd had so much energy and it was because of how great The Drums were. They played a perfect mixture of new and older stuff, as well as a bit of chatting to the crowd. Most importantly, the live music sounded even better than their studio records. Definitely one of the best gigs I've ever been to! They were incredible and the venue was great.

I've been to quite a few concerts, and seeing The Drums was honestly by favorite. Since they are a small band, you know everyone there genuinely cares about them, and it creates such a great atmosphere. Even though they lost two members, I think they're still great. They are so energetic and I loved every moment I was there.

It was the best concert I have been too! If I could relive that moment I would take that chance again! It was an amazing show!I would recommend others to go see the Drums live they would blow your mind! Just wish Johnny would of signed my poster! But overall it was such an amazing show!!❤

Great show, great dancing. A lot of honesty in his speech and performance. Well worth going to see and looked genuinely taken aback by the crowd in Whelans. Never saw them before but would definitely go back if given the slightest chance. All round good night.