Music / First LookListen to The Drums' lovelorn new singleThe NYC duo premiere ‘I Can't Pretend’, a swooning centrepiece of their third album EncyclopaediaShareLink copied ✔️August 20, 2014MusicFirst LookText Jazz Monroe Anyone closely attuned to the inner reverberations of The Drums will have witnessed a shaky few years for the New York-based band. After major US TV appearances following 2011’s Portamento, rumours abounded of ongoing tensions, scrapped solo projects and the band’s imminent breakup. But fans can take solace in “I Can’t Pretend,” a mournful highlight from September-bound LP Encyclopaedia that starts like MGMT cruising through a wind tunnel before shooting into starlit histrionics reminiscent of Pixies classic “Where Is My Mind?” Lyrically, it’s predictably double-edged – this from a band whose romantic distance has always sounded less lackadaisical than coolly passive-aggressive – with Jonathan Pierce’s sun-lounger sighs bleeding raw indignation. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 30,000+ creatives from around the world.TrendingCould AI really kill us all in 10 years? Here’s everything you need to knowAfter an Anthropic researcher quit over AI safety fears, anxieties about losing control of the technology are mounting – we unpack how worried you should actually beLife & CultureMusic‘This is a dream come true’: Tems meets her idol... Kate NashHingeLife & CultureNicola Dinan and Ione Gamble on the power of admitting your desiresBeautyWhat is it about a man and his bleached buzzcut?Life & CultureWe’re living through an explainer epidemicArt & PhotographyThese candid photos capture intimate encounters across ParisFilm & TVThis controversial new film explores how sexual predators are madeFashionAll the best looks at Venice Film Festival 2026 (so far)MusicV on BTS, success and what he’d tell his younger selfEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy