aaamusic | On 30, Nov 2010

London, 24th November

Opening act for tonight’s show are IO ECHO, the brainchild of The Big Pink Leopold Ross. Their punkish sound reminds me of the likes of Patti Smith and Siouxie and the Banshees – a deadly mix of sharp lyrics and rhythm. Despite having toured heavily in the US, these are the first shows in the UK and it is interesting to witness the enthusiasm and energy they bring to the stage. The crowd loves them and I’m sure they’ve made lots of fans tonight, especially when they play While You Are Sleeping and When The Lillies Die. Can’t wait for the album to be released.

Next up are Two Wounded Birds and their sun-soaked, Beach Boys-esque tunes, to build up anticipation before The Drums kick in. Again, the audience really enjoys them and goes wild once Keep Dreaming gets played. Again, I can foresee a bright future coming for these two bands.

Just after few seconds of intro and the consequent explosion of “Best Friend” something came up clear to my mind: despite the light-hearted sound of these tunes, The Drums are able to add a solemn gravity to their live acts.

Jonathan Pierce manages to blend gloomy lyrics and an Ian Curtis-like attitude with joyous riffs and cheerful pop.

Guitarist Tom Haslow replaces Adam Kessler – who left the band in September – handling the stage with the same energy. A jubilant crowd celebrates “Let’s Go surfing” summoned in the usual pogo-ritual, and inside Forum we’re all trapped in this euphoric atmosphere.

You would expect a crescendo of emotions but it’s hard not to notice the stylistic dullness behind these arrangements. The songs inevitably all sound like the same and the charismatic presence onstage is not enough to suffice this lack of consistency.

Said that, it would be extremely unfair to not praise the great talent of this New York four-piece. If the sophomore album will add consistence in their arrangements the future will be theirs.

Author: Lorenzo Coretti