Play during those chilly, rainy, autumn days.
Encyclopedia is the 3rd release from angsty New Yorkers, The Drums. The Drums are known for moody indie rock with a surfer edge. On Encyclopedia they lost some of the surf and added more sinister. “I Hope Time Doesn’t Change Him” is a slow paced dreamy track with a catchy melody. “Kiss Me Again” is as surfer and upbeat as the album gets. It definitely sounds like earlier Drums with its playful lyrics and groovy beat. It’s fun and heavily Smiths influenced. “I Can’t Pretend” has a simple, repetitive melody and an 80s dance vibe. Towards the end of the track it builds up into some Interpol-esque guitar riffs which in my opinion saved the track from being boring.
Unfortunately the remainder of the album is boring and at times difficult to listen to. This album lacks danceable infectious tracks that The Drums have delivered in previous releases. I doubt this album will win over your heart but a few tracks are worthy of some air time. Especially if the mood is right. Play during those chilly, rainy, autumn days.
Recommended if you like: The Horrors, Wild Nothing, DIIV
Recommended tracks: “I Hope Time Doesn’t Change Him,” “Kiss me Again,” and “I Can’t Pretend”
Reviewed by Emilie Stafford on October 5, 2014