THE US’s finest indie exports The Drums, aka “New York’s coolest new party band” hit Newcastle to showcase their second studio album, Portamento.

The Drums outline what pure, raw, original music is really about, not manufactured or planned, it is entirely their own work.

Rejuvenated with a new line-up, The Drums efficiently tore through a set list comprised of Portamento powerhouses and a dash of old favourites.

Eleven of the 12 songs on new record Portamento have references to death or dying, the most notable arriving on track Days when Flamboyant lead singer Jonathan Pierce testifies to his past devotion to a broken relationship by casually tossing out the revelation that he “killed myself”.

Obsessing over mortality is nothing new in indie pop, let alone within the Drums’ catalogue so far.

Despite all the drama, that’s what the Drums are all about – real life and the pains and pleasures that come along with loving.

The Drums took to the stage delighting the audience with new song What You Were, an anthemic classy, sassy pop gem. Glistening track, Money, is a bass heavy song with shuffling rhythms accompanied by an extremely catchy chorus.

Pierce with his abstracted and mildly camp figure graces the stage revelling in the crowd’s attention, closing his eyes as he surfs through the pulsing rhythms.

Crowdpleasers Best Friend and Book Of Stories whipped the crowd into a dancing whirl as they jittered along to the surf melodies.

Despite their faux-naivety, The Drums know what they’re doing and the strength of Portamento should see them embark on a whole new direction of credibility.