Jonny is The Drums’ cathartic sonic biography

Despite now essentially operating as a solo project, the initial quartet rose to indie-rock fame with their seminal self-titled record, renowned for their unique twist on punk-infused, jagged soundscapes that offer a glimpse through the kaleidoscope of the lead singers tangled history. Tracks such as “Money” and “Lets Go Surfing” still see themselves surfacing a decade after their initial release which speaks to the testament of the influential nature of the quartet.

And now, six studio albums deep, The Drums’ founding member Jonny Pierce is releasing a record, in the most rock n roll style, named after himself. Jonny takes us on a walk-through of Pierce’s life, as he revisits the darker moments of his childhood (“Isolette”) and the feelings of unworthiness that have loomed over him since – the record, essentially, is a sonic biography.

At sixteen tracks long, Jonny is an extensive collection of reflective, pop-infused ode to sensibility and recovery (“I Want It All”), veined with subtler elements of bedroom pop. With over half the album already unveiled in the form of singles, not much was left to the imagination – but Jonny more than holds its own and lives up to the prowess of its smaller parts.

Opener “I Want It All”, is exactly what it says on the tin. Reflecting on the events of his childhood, this cut is a declaration – that he’ll do anything to achieve what he has never received – love, connection, and meaningful relationships. Made up of throbbing bass lines, electro-infused beats, and delicate, yet strained vocals – “I Want It All”, on the surface, is surprisingly uplifting and optimistic in sound, considering its narrative. Delving further into the power of emotion, with “The Flowers”, Pierce reflects on how tenderness, and love, essentially, saved his life. Placing importance on self-confidence and working on boosting your esteem, Pierce croons: “Where did you find me honey? / You really swam your way down to the ocean floor / I thought I’d die there”.

Released as a pair “Plastic Envelope” and “Protect Him Always” seamlessly tie together. The former takes a laid-back folksy approach that effortlessly blends into its counterpart – of which boasts almost-orchestral stylings and acts as a sonic apology to his younger self – “All the things they did to me / When I was just a young boy / There's a little child that lives in me / I just wanna protect him always”.

Taking a brighter turn and championing how love can be stronger than any of his fears, “Obvious” is a triumphant look at self-acceptance and acts as a transformative and pinnacle moment for Pierce. Echoey breezy vocals reign supreme over jangly guitar lines and a sunny, upbeat soundscape takes the throne as one of the most impressively layered and euphoric cuts on the album. Continuing in the vein of delightful indie rock, are the shimmering vocals of “Teach My Body” and “Better” – two tracks so overtly summery that the melancholy of the rest of the record is almost forgotten.

In a final, comforting offering, “I Used To Want To Die” pinpoints Pierce’s turnaround, doting on his desire to be better and lead a fulfilling, love-oriented life. Soothing and ballad-esque, the singer's piercing vocals offer a moment of reflection and sonic catharsis.

Though bleak on the surface, through Jonny, Pierce finds himself embracing the chaos of life, reclaiming his childhood years in a cathartic and self-soothing project that aptly marks fifteen years of The Drums.