About this album

Sound: "Bright melodies and infectious rhythms capture the carefree essence of summer through a nostalgic indie pop lens."

Where they were

When 'The Drums' was released in June 2010, the band was emerging from the New York City music scene, having previously found success with their singles like 'Let's Go Surfing'. This debut album marked a significant step in their career, transitioning them from local buzz to international recognition. Their sound defined a new wave of surf rock-infused indie pop that resonated widely.

Why it matters

The album received critical acclaim upon release, landing on several year-end best-of lists and reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Its blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics influenced a generation of indie bands and helped popularize the surf rock revival in the early 2010s, cementing The Drums as key players in the genre.

Essential tracks

  • "Best Friend" — Opening the album with an upbeat tempo, this track encapsulates the joy and simplicity of friendship through catchy hooks and relatable lyrics.
  • "Let’s Go Surfing" — 'Let’s Go Surfing' perfectly embodies the band's playful spirit, pairing infectious melodies with evocative imagery of youth and adventure, making it an anthem for carefree days.
  • "Down by the Water" — This track showcases a darker undertone compared to others while maintaining an upbeat rhythm, highlighting the band's lyrical depth amidst their catchy sound.

Release Date

June 7, 2010

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Best Friend 3:26
  2. 2 Me and the Moon 3:11
  3. 3 Let’s Go Surfing 2:55
  4. 4 Book of Stories 3:38
  5. 5 Skippin’ Town 3:22
  6. 6 Forever and Ever Amen 4:27
  7. 7 Down by the Water 3:26
  8. 8 It Will All End in Tears 3:44
  9. 9 We Tried 3:45
  10. 10 I Need Fun in My Life 3:27
  11. 11 I’ll Never Drop My Sword 3:47
  12. 12 The Future 4:08