The Drums is a band that I'd say represents all that is good about pop music: the music is fun and energetic at the core, and combines old and new styles to bring a distinctive attitude towards the genre it represents. Listening to The Drums sounds like being at a 50s beach party at times, or sounds like being at the senior prom in the 80s, but also sound like being at an exclusive basement dive in Brooklyn just last night. Their music has some nods to a range of pop aesthetics while still remaining fresh and new.

Portamento is the latest release from the Drums, which came out last year, and received good reviews from indie standards such as Pitchfork and NME. The album included a commentary version with some unique insight from Jonathan Peirce and Jacob Graham. The group's spring tour will commence at the end of this month in Europe with the Primavera Sound festival.






Craft Spells is a California band on the Captured Tracks record label, known for 80s synth-rock acts like Wild Nothing and Beach Fossils. A great pairing for a band like the Drums, Craft Spells also has a fresh take on a vintage sound which has been described by some as goth pop and would fit in nicely with any John Hughes film. Idle Labor is the latest album released by the foursome: a shiny, indie gem ideal for summer fun.






Part Time is a San Francisco band that should really ramp up the 80s theme of this evening's musical lineup. The songs on their 2011 album What Would You Say? are very dancy, very synthy - looking at the band's pictures on Facebook leads me to believe this will be an act worth seeing in person. It's going to be an energetic evening at the Hi-Dive tonight. Doors are at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM for this 16 and up event, see details about the show on their website here.