Maisy Pallister
New York indie-poppers The Drums confidently strut back onto the scene with their first single since 2021. Isolette has been released in anticipation of their upcoming album Jonny, expected for release in October.
Summer vibes and TikTok successes
Isolette radiates summer energy, showcasing frontman Jonathan Pierce’s distinctive, melancholy vocals. Coming in at around two and a half minutes, the song is propelled by fast-tempo drums and a catchy guitar riff. It is a snappy, feel-good tune that feels timeless and certainly seems to continue The Drums’ indie surf pop sound which characterised their debut album.
“It is no surprise that Pierce has chosen to return to this style”
Isolette embodies the fast-paced and distinctive drums heard in their 2011 single Money, which has recently gained popularity on TikTok due to its frequent use in the popular Album Cover Challenge. It is no surprise that Pierce has chosen to return to this style, given its unabashed appeal to the TikTok generation.
The meaning behind ‘Isolette’
An Isolette is an incubator for newborns which has controlled temperature, humidity and oxygen levels. Pierce revealed that his mother suffered a traumatic labour which led to his premature birth and subsequent incubator treatment. Pierce alluded to a poor emotional connection with his mother, as a result of the lack of initial skin-to-skin contact, which has left him feeling as though he “never really left” the incubator.
“The lyrics speak of low self-esteem and insecurity, providing of a sense of endlessness.”
This metaphor is embodied throughout the song within the dichotomy of social anxiety. Contrasting a more sinister meaning with a joyful tune, the verse features the lyrics: I’m sorry / I don’t know how / To be around people / I am so afraid of doing all the wrong things.
Rather than doting on romantic relationships, Isolette explores meaningful platonic connections, alongside daily interactions with strangers. The lyrics speak of low self-esteem and insecurity, providing of a sense of endlessness. Despite its cheerful and upbeat musical profile, the song addresses male mental health struggles and emotional vulnerability.
“The record touches on the childhood trauma endured by Pierce, in addition to his experiences as part of a religious cult.”
In terms of composition, the song follows a relatively simplistic structure and lyrical makeup. Cyclically, the song opens with its chorus, before succeeding into its pre-chorus and first verse, before returning to its chorus, potentially signifying the hopelessness of relentlessly experiencing these feelings of social anxiety.
Ahead of ‘Jonny’
With the new album set for release in mid-October, it is clear that Jonny is set to be a deeply personal record. The record touches on the childhood trauma endured by Pierce, in addition to his experiences as part of a religious cult. Given the personal and confessional Isolette, it follows that Jonny will be far more revealing, intimate, and introspective.
READ MORE:
-
‘AR’ BY ADDISON RAE: ALBUM REVIEW
-
SAY NOW: THE NEW GIRLBAND READY TO TAKE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY STORM
-
‘AUSTIN’ BY POST MALONE: ALBUM REVIEW
Featured image courtesy of JuanPerez20 via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
