Listen: Jonny Pierce - Home [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

With main project The Drums on hiatus, Jonny Pierce has been squirrelling away at a solo career of sorts over the last year or so. I've been looking forward to the final version of 'Home' since hearing an acoustic version recorded for Vogue - the wait is over, with a new recording surfacing on the latest 'Kitsune Maison' compilation.

Surfacing: Jonny Pierce [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

I'm not quite sure what's going on with The Drums at the moment but it appears to be full steam ahead for their frontman Jonny Pierce as he goes on a solo vaunt. Having guested on tracks for several other bands of late, Pierce is set to release his debut solo album shortly. Listen to a couple of tracks set to appear on the record below.

Remixed: The Drums - How It Ended (Duologue Remix) [Premiere]

Remixed is a column that will highlight remixes we actually think are worthy of praise, be they old or new. Because most remixes are rubbish. // Words: Saam Das

Duologue already have past form on producing not-diabolically-crap remixes, with their excellent recent Givers remix. Their newest slice of brilliance twists the latest single from The Drums into a wide-eyed, hot electronic mess. We're premièring the track and you can download it for free below. Prepare to be razzle-dazzled.

Singles: September 2011

Words: Saam Das

We've been busybusy over September, as you can see from our numerous reviews over the past month, but I've (eventually) found the time to collect my top ten singles of the month. If you know who the duo below are then you win a prize for guessing single of the month. Otherwise, read on for more singles that you can shake a stick at. Whatever that means.

Split Festival: 2011 Review

Split Festival (17-18 Sept '11, Ashbrooke Sports Club, Sunderland) // Words: Emily Solan

Now in its third year, it shames to me admit that this is my first year at Split. But forgiving me for that, the line-up for this year’s Split was possibly the best ever. Combining not only the best local talent with some brilliant artists from far and wide, they’ve also managed to think of everything including the best local food and activities for the kids too.

Album Review: The Drums - Portamento

The Drums - 'Portamento' (UK Release: 5 September '11) //
Words: Emily Solan

The Drums are a summer band. Picture them and you’ll get summer sunshine, long lost days and, inevitably, surfing. Cliché full indeed. And new album 'Portamento' does very little to change this outlook. But give them credit they do it ever so well, so why change something that’s not broken?

The Drums EP

Summer 2009 saw everyone in the blogging world get carried away with American duo (/quartet/possibly sextet, if you count the backing singers) The Drums. Even Boy George thinks they're great. And understandably so, The Drums have somehow made the quest for pop perfection a credible, exciting proposition.


The hype generating 'Let's Go Surfing' was a bodacious statement of intent and this week's 'Summertime' EP (out on the forever brilliant Moshi Moshi label) follows through, with its wonderful mix of new wave, post punk and Shangri La-esque stylings. Finally, a buzz band that delivers. Sexy time.

THE DRUMS - LET'S GO SURFING (XFM XPOSURE SESSION)
THE DRUMS - MAKE YOU MINE (XFM XPOSURE SESSION)

Buy the 'Summertime' EP by The Drums from Moshi Moshi. They're also playing a handful of tourdates around the UK this month.

Website // MySpace