Last night, The Drums and opener, Beverly, played to a sold out crowd at Pub Rock in Scottsdale. I’d never been to the venue before, but had heard that it was pretty small, fitting only 350 people.
When the doors opened at 7:30 p.m., everyone waiting in line quickly filed to the front of the stage; by the time I got in, I was close to the back wall. Slightly disappointed that I had such a crappy spot for one of my favorite bands, I promised myself that when The Drums came to the stage I’d make my way to the front to truly enjoy the show.
Soon, surf-rockers Beverly came to the stage. I'd never heard of them before, but was pleasantly surprised. I’d heard of Frankie Rose, who plays guitar in Beverly and was also in Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls and Crystal Stilts at different points in her career, but I hadn’t listened to any of her solo stuff. Lead singer Drew Citron had a wonderful voice that fit perfectly into the punchy instrumentation. The crowd didn’t go crazy for them, but mostly everyone seemed into the music. It was awesome to have a solid opening act; I sometimes find it hard to endure openers because the anticipation for the headliners can be too much. Beverly kept my attention, though; I was interested in every song they had to offer.
When Beverly announced, before leaving the stage, that The Drums would be up shortly, the crowd went nuts. All of the sudden there was this vibrant energy that could be felt throughout the entire venue. Fans sang the lyrics to “Let’s Go Surfing” and “Down By the Water” while waiting for lead singer Jonny Pierce and the boys to hit the stage. I was able to edge my way towards the stage just a little bit before the band came on.
Once all the instruments and microphones were checked, core member Jacob Graham, now playing keys and synth for The Drums, took to the stage setting off the high whiny notes that begin the song “Bell Laboratories.” As the beat kicked in, Pierce came on stage, clad in a shirt with vultures on it that said, “patience, my ass… I’m gonna kill somebody!” The crowd went crazy.
When the next song, “Let Me” began, all hell broke loose. Suddenly, I was super close to the stage and everyone was pushing and pulling; there was nothing you could do but move with the crowd. Most people were singing along at the top of their lungs letting The Drums know just how much Phoenix loves them.
About halfway through the set, Pierce stated his appreciation, saying that we were the best crowd so far. Whether he was talking about this specific tour or of all time, it was a pretty nice compliment. It didn’t sound like a rehearsed compliment that he pays to every city that the band visits.
This appreciation really showed when the band came on the stage for an encore. By this time, I’d been bounced towards the back of the venue again, but the sound was incredibly clear, and I couldn’t have been happier. Pierce invited Citron back onto the stage to assist in singing “Don’t be a Jerk, Jonny,” a song that the band hasn’t been playing regularly. They also played other early songs including “Make You Mine,” one of my favorites, and “Saddest Summer.”
Then came “Let’s Go Surfing,” the band’s most famous song. It isn’t one of my favorite Drums songs, but when the entire crowd went berserk, it was impossible not to join in the fun. People were climbing on the stage, dancing around and trying their hardest to crowd surf. Somehow, halfway through the song, I was close to stage again, so that when the final tune, “Down By the Water,” began, I was part of the giant swaying mass of people.
After The Drums left the stage, I walked out into the dark to find my car, feeling beat up, like I’d just been in a two-hour boxing match. It was definitely one hell of a show!
Reach the reporter at wruof@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @willruof
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