IT is fair to say that the return of The Drums could not come at a more appropriate time. Known for their summer-primed indie pop gems, the outfit’s forthcoming album has already been tipped as a massive return to form for the band.
If recent single ‘Blood Under My Belt’ was evidence that frontman Jonny Pierce is still capable of creating the kind of bouncy, infectious indie tunes that everyone fell in love with back in 2010, then latest track ‘Heart Basel’ will reinforce this notion with unequivocal certainty.
Buoyant and summery with a whole load of massive chorus hooks thrown in for good measure, it is another example of Pierce’s brilliant ability to turn heartbreak into something upbeat and energetic. With lyrics reflecting on a vulnerable period of his life and a turbulent relationship, he has said of the track: “Heart Basel” is a song about him treating me “kindly” at Art Basel in Miami and then treating me like garbage after he got what he needed. You live and you sometimes learn.” Alas he says, “it does make for good songwriting”.
‘Heart Basel’ will feature on the band’s upcoming album Abysmal Thoughts, their first since 2014. It sees frontman Jonny Pierce take full creative control again, writing every song and playing every instrument in order to fulfil his own vision. Approaching his craft with a greater sense of self-belief and experience, it is said to have resulted in one of his best albums in some time.
Abysmal Thoughts will be released on 16th July via Anti-.