Jonny Pierce takes his fourth studio album Abysmal Thoughts on the road across the UK.

It’s been three years since their last album, Encyclopedia, and seven since their self-titled debut. Now taking the band to next stage as more of a solo project, Pierce evokes the sense of nostalgia and a pure bliss that still remains the quintessence of The Drums.

This UK tour is a great opportunity to present the new material in a live arrangement and as I head to O2 Shepherds Bush Empire the excitement and expectations are thickening in the air. The lights dim as the curtain falls down revealing a massive sign The Drums. Dressed up in a colourful outfit with some glittering elements added to the aesthetics, Jonny swaggers along the stage to the noise of loud screams hailing from the audience. He’s been missed. There’s no doubt about it.

The sparkling I’ll Fight For Your Life opens the set and the party starts. Watching Jonny’s brave dance moves causes even more dancing what fits into the Saturday mood just perfectly.

The new album Abysmal Thoughts is cleverly intertwined, with The Drums‘ signature sun-soaked guitars and euphoric twist. Heart Basel and Head Of The Horse seizes with its delicate vocal layering juxtaposed with complexity of lyrical content and Pierce‘s narrative. Musician’s subtle approach to his personal experiences shimmers in the most gripping manner as we gradually sink into the emotive soundscape of the tune. Blood Under My Belt serves a blissful song aesthetic with singer’s upbeat yelp aligning with the heavenly melody, and many voices join in for a massive sing-along.

However, it’s no surprise that gold oldies shine the brightest. Best Friend, The Future and the absolute fan favourite Let’s Go Surfing are a nod to the self-titled debut album whilst Money and How It Ended bring forth the danceable tone that sticks throughout. The atmosphere is super chilled as I watch a few drinks flying above our heads.

Jonny Pierce showcases a smooth and entertaining set with not much interruption in between songs. Yet, the speech he delivers is of huge significance.

“London, holy shit. It’s been really long time. I’ve got two things to say. I know you could be saving money for Katy Perry or Lady Gaga, but the fact that you’re here encourages me. It’s the spirit of people giving a fuck. I want to thank you for jumping around and getting hurt in the pit. Second thing, a bit more important. Here’s the thing. When we put out the first record we were everywhere, the NME cover and BBC but I was fucking miserable. I felt like I was living outside of my reality. I was shy and scared. The second record came out and the same thing happened. I love Jacob, I know him since were 11 years old but this time I felt like I could make a new record on my own. It was all a blur. Abysmal thoughts. I wanted to be honest. I decided to look at myself. I grew up with Christian parents and I waited 30 years for them to come around. I want to encourage you to open up. I’m not gonna wait any longer. I’m gonna live my life now. Just be who you are. Thanks so much.”

As If He Likes It Let Him Do It rounds things off the reminiscence of a grand reflection and emotional tinge hit us once more. It’s been a pretty charming show with a flare of old school vibes mixed with a modern melancholia and a sense of relatable issues we all have to deal with from time to time. Luckily, we’ve got The Drums who are always ready to serve us summery tunes even if their hearts are broken.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka