The Drums, a (now) solo project by Jonny Pierce, is on the menu tonight. The indie-rock outfit has released four albums to date, their newest being ‘Abysmal Thoughts’ in June 2017 through ANTI- (it’s also the first album since Pierce parted ways with longtime band mate Jacob Graham). This gig signifies the ending of The Drums’ latest North American tour in their hometown of New York.
Elsewhere is proving to be the workhorse of Brooklyn’s live music scene; it’s just as comfortable hosting indie-rock mainstays in the cavernous Hall with a grand mirrored installation at the entrance, as it is with intimate tech-house gigs in the grimier Zone One space. As we walk into The Hall, a familiar scent tickles our nostrils. The air is saturated with Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume as the Gen Z-ers begin to take selfies. It’s clear that we’re going to take a trip down memory lane.
Opening the show is Brooklyn-based artist Liam Benzvi under the moniker Soft Ethnic. Benzvi serves up dreamy ’80s pop with a dash of zest. It’s rounded out with Peter Garrett-style dance moves: arms outstretched and hips gyrating with gusto. Released a month ago, “Front and Back” is something you might want to add to your playlists this summer — perfect for pres, the beach and/or kick-on situations. SadGirl then turns the heat up a notch as the second act on the bill. They’re a bunch of happy lads playing the surf-punk that you knew you always loved (but were too proud to admit), before they bring you back down to earth with some dreamy tracks like “Little Queenie”.
After the slow simmering, The Drums take the stage. It becomes clear that the crowd has done this before — this ain’t their first rodeo. They’re just as confident belting out classics like “Me And The Moon” and “Let’s Go Surfing”, as they are with “Heart Basel” and other tracks from the new LP, a release which could comfortably fit into The Smiths‘ discography. The Drums are pulling out all the bangers, swinging between dark lyrics and sunny guitar as the crowd chants the melancholic lyrics of upbeat favourites like “Days”, “Money”, and “Best Friend”. The set is just as morbid as it is alive, dancing with the devil of darkness and light himself: Jonny Pierce.
Pierce is spellbinding on stage, leading the crowd through the set with elegance and grace, causing the screaming crowd to melt into puddles beneath the lethal combination of his gaze and smooth moves. It’s apparent that he’s the 2018 Elvis of indie-rock, sporting Nike TNs and a black singlet. Before finishing off with a spine-tingling cover of “Blood” by The Middle East, Pierce bids to the audience to be self aware: “Think about how you affect other people. Think about how you affect the planet. Keep your minds and your hearts aware. Just be aware.”
And just like a great summer fling, it was over too quickly. There’s a saltiness of the ocean on your lips, and the nostalgia for Laneway 2012 reignited in your brain. You’ve got a grin pasted on your face and that floral perfume overwhelming your nostrils, before you realise that The Drums have soundtracked moments up t0 this point, and while you’ve somewhat grown up, you know you’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
Photos by Courtney Brookes.