1. Steech

   9

   The Drums's Summertime! EP became legendary immediately. Their major label debut was a little more worrisome, as it lifted some of the original songs ("Let's Go Surfing," "Down By The Water") but featured little else that was the equal of the other original songs ("Don't Be A Jerk, Johnny" or "Submarine"). Not having any sort of first-hand information or insider scoop, I'm going to blame that on moving to Brooklyn. I'm also going to make a couple of other assumptions, but don't want to inadvertently be guilty of libel. If I suggest the remaining members of The Drums are influenced by their (totally normal for their age bracket) drug use and crazy youth lifestyle, understand that I do so from a perfectly benign perspective. Listening to Portamento under the influence of... let's say strong cough medicine will reveal something in the nature of these songs. Whether that was put there consciously or accidentally is none of my business. But repeat listens of "If He Likes It Let Him Do It" (which gets incrementally spookier with each repeat listen) is enough to convince me there is a targeted mental state for Portamento. It also speaks to what virtually everyone else has noted is increasing darkness creeping into this once sunkissed band obsessed with smashing things like Joy Division and the Beach Boys together. Portamento is darker, yes, but not completely dark. A Smiths reference isn't a terrible starting point, as long as it's clear The Drums don't use the Britpop tropes of Marr & Co. For every patently dark song, there are two not dark songs providing the necessary buoyancy. The best songs are the not dark ones, frankly. "Days" is better than anything on the first full length. The band has admitted that their interpersonal dynamics are too volatile to give the band much of a future. Regrettable. But if true, fans have to enjoy each gift we receive as if it was the last.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
2. Marcbackman

   9

   I'm sorry - but this album deserves much more than a petty 'average' 6.4 score. I personally found it a charming smiths-esque album with simple but sing-along-worthy vocals and melodies that will stay with you for weeks. Having played it on repeat for the first few days after getting it, and still returning to it weeks after, I can safely say that it is a more than worthwhile album to invest your time into.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 1 users said Yes.
3. Vampire25

   8

   I wasn't the biggest fan with The Drums' self-titled debut. I was hesitant about getting this album but I listened to a few songs before getting it and really liked them, so I got it. It surpassed my expectations. "Portamento" is actually a really good record. Every song is simple in it's own right, but also really catchy and hummable. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. B+… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
4. Ricko

   7

   While it is a good record, it does lack the charm and brightness of their debut. This record is a lot darker and the lyrics go into a lot more depth and are alot more personal. There are still some catchy melodies going on but not on the same scale as before. I wouldn't say the Drums experiment here but they do try one or two new things. It's probably 2 or 3 tracks too long. I wonder where the band go from here.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.

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