The Drums Discuss Their 'F--- You Attitude' and Passing on 'Dream Producers'

In the year since the release of their critically hailed self-titled debut, the Drums have earned attention for more than their music. So with a band member now gone and gossip still mounting, you might expect the group to use their follow-up, 'Portamento,' to make a fresh start.

"I don't think we're in a place to make a big change," says frontman Jonathan Pierce.

"We actually did everything wrong again," he laughs. "We didn't buy a single new piece of equipment, and we just did it the same way we did the first album -- and it wasn't because it was our only option. We had plenty of options, and we had some pretty dream producers trying to knock our door down. And we considered that for about 30 seconds, and just kind of nipped it in the bud. I think we realized that this is how this band operates."

While the Drums' approach may raise a few eyebrows (passing on "dream producers" and allowing inter-band tensions to boil over isn't usually a wise form of action), Pierce and his mates can't operate any other way.

"We've always had that 'F--- you, I'll do it my own way' type of attitude," he says. "It's in my blood to do things my own way, and I think that's part of the reason why we do it that way. I really have a problem with authority so I think we record under a rebellious nature."

And that rebelliousness is just one of their constants -- honesty is another.

"We were grateful for everything that came with [the first album], but it didn't come without a price," says Pierce. "[When] we lost a guitar player last year that was sort of the beginning of where the reality really set in. Instead of throwing in the towel, we decided [to make] this really, personal, honest album. We're all really happy to embrace this reality."

Watch the Drums' 'Money' Video