Drums, The - Portamento

The Drums’ Portamento captures the band at their most direct and emotionally raw — a defining slice of early 2010s indie pop that blends jangling guitars with stark, introspective lyricism.

Released in September 2011, the album saw Jonny Pierce push beyond the breezy surf-pop of their debut into darker, more personal territory, giving Portamento a lasting resonance with fans.

Featuring standout tracks like “Money,” “What You Were,” and “Days,” the record earned widespread critical acclaim and helped cement The Drums as one of the key voices of the era’s indie scene.

Over time, Portamento has grown into a cult favourite, praised for its minimal production and emotional honesty.