1. Nothing keeps good fans from seeing their favorite band—not even 100-plus-degree heat. The weather was a hot topic for Las Vegans this past weekend, but so were The Drums. And on Saturday, a steady line of too-cool-to-look-overheated hip kids formed at the back of Area15 awaiting entry to its A-Lot venue.
The open-air concert site buzzed as the sun set, with the crowd spread out enough to stay comfortable during Long Beach, California, band Cold Hart’s opening set. But as expected, once The Drums emerged from a cloud of faux fog and hit the stage, fans gathered close to the front. At one point, Jonny Pierce, frontman for the New York City four-piece, reminded fans, “I know it’s hot. If you’re feeling weak, listen to your body.” No one budged.
2. Long live Portamento. The Drums’ second studio album, 2011’s Portamento has served as a coming-of-age soundtrack for many an adolescent life. What’s a summer night drive without “Days” blasting through your car windows? There’s no way not to sing along to “What You Were.” And you could almost taste your first heartbreak during the opening chords to “I Don’t Know How to Love.” These songs remind us that so many life experiences aren’t ours exclusively.
3. Going to see The Drums can double as a reunion of old friends. The most obvious takeaway from the show was nostalgia. This is the eighth time The Drums have played Las Vegas since 2012, it’s no surprise there were repeat attendees. Familiar faces warmed the already blistering space, another element making the night feel special.
4. Indie pop-rock can still start moshpits. “Oh my God, dude, they’re going to play ‘Money!’” one delighted mosher shouted, his sweaty arm draped over his friend’s sweaty shoulder. It doesn’t take much to get the kids going, and the distinguishable opening riff of “Money” prompted the crowd to move even more. Perhaps energized by the theme—being too broke to buy a lover a gift—the crowd broke into a frenzy of small moshpits before those were broken up by security. Call it a temporary release for a common frustration.
5. A peek into the future. Pierce gave the people what they wanted and then some. The band’s most recent single, “Obvious,” was among a trio of encore numbers, and the new track stays true to the upbeat sound and contrasting lyrics for which The Drums are known. Their upcoming sixth studio album shouldn’t be far from what we’ve already loved over the years.
