Having read Alyson’s review of The Drums at Jubilee, I had to listen. These guys are Morrissey fans and what? Morrissey is a fan of theirs? That is enough word of mouth for me to at least listen if not love them sound unheard.
Using Spotify ‘most popular’ the tune “Down By The Water” comes up. First, I do understand why Alyson thought they were British. They have that pasty retro sound that reminds you of narrow streets and grey sky. What? Yeah like depression. A haunting song with awkward falsetto and sing along bits. Hollow and bleak. Is that the Morrisssey inspiration? The song is God awful and well that’s no surprise for as much as I love Morrissey I have yet to share a similar taste in music with him. C’mon he dissd The Ramones- what a knob. I hate the New York Dolls and he worships them. Its OK, we don’t have to like the same music.
“Down By The Water” ends not a moment too soon and leads in to “Lets Go Surfing”. This one actually has some pop to it. A nifty whistle bit and surf guitars make it slightly more tolerrable. Ripping off the clapping game ‘Down Down Baby’, adds nothing but another opportunity for people to sing along. Lyrically its pathetic so this classic injection coupled with the clapping keeps the non fan interested enough to hang on for the good part- which never arrives.
The Drums? Nah, I’ll leave them to Morrissey and the artsy set. It’s like Vampire Weekends backwash. Is that a bit harsh? Not really, same genre only not as well crafted.