BLOOD ON THE DRUMS: A Review of My Highlights

This year, one of my goals is to put more effort into listening to full albums. I've never been an album-listener, and admittedly I've had some pretty atricious listening habits according to more avid album-appreciators (i.e skipping through an album to find snippets I like just to save them and listen to the full track at a later time). This year though, I'm trying to be more intentional, even going as far as to keep a database of all the albums I listen to with some notes about each of them. This week, I want to share some of my thoughts on Ashton Irwin's sophomore release, BLOOD ON THE DRUMS.

This record came out last year in July, amidst 5 Seconds of Summer's hiatus - the band in which Irwin is the drummer. BLOOD ON THE DRUMS is his second solo project, and I really enjoyed hearing influences from the 5SOS style. Synthy, melodic, and intricate, I think it's a fantastic album.

DISC 1

"Straight To Your Heart" :

I think this is a great opening to the album. It's so catchy and danceable. It sets a great tone and I hope to hear more like it throughout the rest of the album. In hindsight, I think this track is one of my favorites on the whole album.

"Breakup" :

It has that signature Ashton Irwin “uneasy” style; it reminds me a lot of SUPERBLOOM and the style of The Black Keys. There's a strong focus on rhythmic pull as opposed to imposing a catchy melody.

"BLOOD ON THE DRUMS" :

I love the bass Vocaloid effect that it begins with and that reoccurs through the verses, as well as the harmonies during the chorus. It has that big stadium feel that I think is fitting for the title track.

"I See The Angels" :

Keeping the dance-y energy going with this one, the pushing and pulling of momentum is interesting in a good way. I think because of this, it loses some momentum in the chorus, but I really enjoy the verses. Another one of my favorites.

"Last Night Of My Life" :

I love the call and response "ooh"s that happen during the chorus. The production by Irwin and John Feldmann really shines here; the vocal chain and panning feel like a warm hug.

"Indestructible" :

This song uses one of my favorite swing beats and really reminds me of 5SOS’s album Sounds Good Feels Good with the halftime feel in the chorus. Tonally, his voice takes a turn with this tune, and his belt is much more center-stage.

DISC 2

"The Canyon" :

So far, the album has had the same feel to it, and that continues with The Canyon, though I was hoping for a vibe switch for the second disc. The chorus has this interesting pentatonic sound that feels hollow, which is fantastic musical storytelling that matches the lyrics. The latter half of this tune actually delivers on that vibe switch, which could signal a different sound ahead.

"California Holds Her Breath" :

And the vibe switch comes about with California Holds Her Breath! This is one of those tunes through which I can really hear the 5 Seconds of Summer influence. The melody is so catchy, and the lyrics have that cadence that I can almost hear Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, and Calum Hood harmonizing. This is not to distract from that fact that this record centers Ashton’s talent and creativity, I just appreciate how his style reflects his past experience. The meter change is charming and adds spice to the tail end of this track.

"Endless Wave" :

I love this one as an album closer, and sonically, it encapsulates exactly what the title feels like to me. It sounds like you’re riding on an endless wave, and I imagined coasting through a barren tundra or desert. I feel a lot of beige, tan, and white tones as I hear this track.

Closing thoughts:

If I had to rate it, I'd give BLOOD ON THE DRUMS a 9/10. The only thing holding it back from a 10 for me is the sometimes sudden transitions in certain tracks. This album had a much larger feel to it than Irwin’s debut release, SUPERBLOOM, which I also highly recommend giving a listen. His debut sounded very hollow and “off-center” in a good and ear-perking way — if you can imagine that. It was hauntingly beautiful at times and also had big moments. This album, as a whole, had a much more pop/rock, upbeat sound with a more grandiose stadium vibe. As always with Ashton Irwin, the drums were on point, and everything sounded so tight, from the arrangements to the production. Irwin is exceptional at his craft, presenting every melody as if it was divinely created to perfectly fit every rhythmic contour and cadence. Though I didn't include my thoughts on every single track, I enjoyed them all and will absolutely be re-listening.