The Drums @ East BrunswickClub, Melbourne (02/08/10)

Thu 5th Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Who said Melbourne was dead during the week? Monday night in Melbourne offered a bevy, yes a bevy, of amazing Splendour sideshows to liven up an otherwise dull winter week. The indie kids came out in their droves and packed out the East Brunswick Club to see New York hipsters The Drums .

Melbourne band The Motifs definitely impressed, making the most of the opportunity to play with an already popular international band in front of a growing crowd. So often the supports for these shows can be a little bit disappointing but the local group put on a fantastic live set.

From the moment The Drums hit the stage, heads were bobbing and legs were stomping. The East Brunswick Club was the perfect venue for The Drums, giving the audience the opportunity to be up close and interact with the band, but also having enough room to dance along to the poppy 1950’s riffs.

Front man Jonathan Pierce was dynamic from the moment he walked onto the stage, engaging with the audience and dancing across the stage. ‘I’d like to encourage people to have as much fun as possible,’ stated Pierce, and the crowd complied, enjoying every single second of the band’s set.

Sounds of The Smiths and Joy Division are certainly apparent while listening to The Drums album and even more so when seeing them live. One of the most exciting things about seeing them live is the genuine feeling that you are witnessing something special. Despite the absence of a distinct bass player, the band was still able to get a full sound with the aid of some samples.

Highlights included Best Friends and the much anticipated Let’s Go Surfing played second last before closing with Down By The Water . The eager crowd lapped up everything The Drums had to offer, it was the sort of gig where you lose track of time and become completely immersed in the action on stage. The band certainly fed off the energy from the band, Pierce was told that Melbourne was cool but the crowd wouldn’t dance; they certainly proved him wrong. The Drums brand of music is so infectious you can’t help but get involved and forget how bad a dancer you are.

It was clear The Drums are an extremely professional band but one that still maintains a relaxed attitude while on stage; something emphasized by their willingness to talk to fans straight after the show. A quick chat with drummer Connor Hanwick revealed just how quickly things have moved since the release of their album. After hanging with fellow New Yorkers The Strokes and good friends Surfer Blood at Splendour In The Grass, they are headed straight to Japan for SummerSonic and more shows after that.

The Drums are no longer a ‘band to watch’. Having impressed at Splendour, the punters at the East Brunswick Club were treated to an energetic, dynamic and fun set.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE