The Drums: s/t

Label: Island

The Drums earned well-deserved buzz for their 2009 EP, Summertime! Following that, the sharp-edged quartet relocated to Brooklyn, setting the stage for its debut full-length, which is packed with a full dose of bouncy, guitar-driven pop inspired by the likes of the Smiths, the Cure, the Wake and Orange Juice. The songs have hooks galore, plenty of charisma -- courtesy of lead crooner Jonathan Pierce -- and just the right balance of melodrama ("You were my best friend / And then you died," Pierce laments on "Best Friend") and humor ("Let's Go Surfing," making a reappearance from the EP, seems to poke fun at indie rock's recent beach obsession). Other highlights include the upbeat but melancholy "Book of Stories," the defiant breakup anthem "It Will All End in Tears" and "I Need Fun in My Life," on which Pierce only sounds half-convinced of that fact. The Drums manage to sound modern and fresh, all while orchestrating a fun, mopey dance party where they can proudly wear their influences on their sleeves. (Kiri)