Drens is a wild surf punk four-piece from Dortmund,
Europe’s capital of mustache style! While they originally met in late 2017 right after studying sound at university, through a shared love of lo-fi harmonies and halloumi sandwiches, they now released their highly anticipated debut EP ‚Pet Peeves‘ right in the middle of isolated times and a snatch of spring sunshine. The following scenario: A city in Technicolor, aquamarine blue sky, green grass with flamingos stalking it. The sound of waves, laughter from afar, beach scenes. But the longer you stare into this scenario, the more glaringly the sun shines, the more shrill the laughter clangs. It could all be so beautiful, but a small, evil cloud obscures the view, a stone is stuck in the shoe. Careful, spoiler alert - this is how Drens succeed in a rare balancing act with their songs: The eye for the shitty things is awake and sharpened and still doesn't get blind for all the beautiful and good things. And so the songs are not only questions but also answers to the previous problems, they are shoulder slaps, an encouraging nod, and two beers at the bar. The surf sound, which already crystallized on the DIY-compilation "Sunny Side Up", is further elaborated, and the producer should also have a certain share in this: Steffen Israel, a guitarist for Kraftklub, celebrates his producer debut here and transports the fuzzy retro sound of the band into the year 2021. In the end, Drens stride hopefully into the glaring sun. This warmth and attention to detail give the lyrics a bitter-sweet lightness, Joy Divison in a Hawaiian shirt, surfing off a burning shore. The shimmering live energy is cast into shape here, transforming barren suburbs into Southern California teenage utopias. Isn't this the best step for this new decade?