The Drums – Portamento

The Italian word “portamento‰” means a transition musically from one pitch to another, and it’s a fitting title for the Drums’ grim, somber second album. The Drums as we knew them were the lighthearded buzzband (see: “Let’s Go Surfing‰Û). But on their newest album, they‰’ve assumed an entirely new perspective. For one, death is mentioned in nearly every song, with lead singer Jonathan Pierce taking a more personalized, dramatic direction lyrics-wise.

The shift in tone isn’t surprising, considering the transitions the Drums have made since their last album; the band split with their guitarist and flipped from a major label to Frenchkiss. As a result, Pierce was free to express his feelings on Portamento without having to appease a major record label, and it just so happens that he’s feeling very, very miserable. This morbidity isn‰’t necessarily a bad thing. The songs themselves on Portamento are catchy and distinctive, and it almost feels like the Drums’ upbeat rhythms are the wrong median for Pierce’s honest but depressing lyrics.

Maybe the newer version of The Drums are more authentic than in the days of their freshman album, but their “buzz‰” has definitely died down. No year-end recognition for the Drums is surprising, considering Portamento generated above-average ratings by critics. But the best part is that The Drums probably could care less, and rightfully so.