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Drowners were an American-Welsh indie rock band formed in New York City in 2011 by Matthew Hitt (lead vocals, guitar), Jack Ridley III (lead guitar), Erik Lee Snyder (bass) and Daniel Jacobs (drums).[1] Their first release was the EP Between Us Girls which appeared in early 2013. In January 2014 their debut album Drowners was released worldwide preceded by the single "Luv, Hold Me Down".[2][3][4] In 2016, the band released their second album On Desire.[5] The band has toured both North America and Europe.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The band was formed when Welsh-born Matthew Hitt moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a career in modelling. With a degree in English Literature, he found time to "write and jam on [his] guitar every day".[1] He recruited three musicians and began rehearsing and recording the songs.[6] Guitarist Jack Ridley is originally from the North West of the US while bass player Erik Snyder grew up outside Philadelphia.[7] On February 4, 2013, Drowners released their first EP Between Us Girls on the English label Birthday Records. The EP contains three short songs, including "Long Hair", oft cited as the lead track.[1]

The band signed with a Frenchkiss Records, and began to record their first studio album in May 2013. The album was produced by Gus Oberg and Johnny T, while recording took place over a three-week period.[8] It received mixed reviews.[9]

The band headed to Europe for the first time in February 2014 in support of their album, to perform a small number of London shows (including an in-store performance at Rough Trade East), and supported Cage The Elephant on their European tour and SKATERS on their UK tour.[10] The band enlisted several drummers, including Joe Brodie,[7] before settling on Daniel Jacobs.[11]

The band opened shows for Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines and Foals while undertaking their first headlining tour of North America and Europe in February/March 2014.[12] They later performed at the Coachella festival and supported Temples.[8] After two months of recording, the band had finalised their second album by Christmas 2015.[13]

In June 2016, the band released the album On Desire to mixed reviews.[14] It was produced by Claudius Mitterndorfer and preceded by the single "Cruel Ways".[15]

In October 2019, Drowners returned to perform as part of FKR20, a musical event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Frenchkiss Records.[16] The band have since not reunited as of December 2024.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details
Drowners
On Desire
  • Released: June 24, 2016
  • Label: Frenchkiss Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download

EP

[edit]
  • Between Us Girls (February 4, 2013, Birthday Records)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Drowners

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Drowners were an American-Welsh indie rock band formed in New York City in 2011 by Welsh-born singer and guitarist Matthew Hitt, along with guitarist Jack Ridley III, bassist Erik Lee Snyder, and drummer Daniel Jacobs. The band, named after Suede's debut single "The Drowners", drew influences from post-punk and garage rock revival acts like The Vaccines. They released their debut EP, Between Us Girls, in 2013, followed by their self-titled studio album in January 2014 on Frenchkiss Records, which peaked at number 27 on the UK Indie Albums chart. Their second album, On Desire, came out in June 2016. Active through the mid-2010s, the band toured extensively but has been inactive since 2016, with no new releases as of 2025.

History

Formation and early years

The Drowners were formed in New York City in 2011 by Welsh musician Matthew Hitt, who had relocated from his native Rhondda Valley to pursue a modeling career. Hitt, serving as lead vocalist and guitarist, began assembling the band by recruiting fellow musicians from the local indie rock scene. He connected with guitarist Jack Ridley III, originally from the northwestern United States, and bassist Erik Lee Snyder, who grew up outside Philadelphia, through shared performances and social circles in the city's vibrant underground music community. The band enlisted several drummers early on, including David Rubin initially and later Joe Brodie, before stabilizing the lineup. In the band's nascent phase, Hitt focused on writing songs inspired by his experiences, initially intending to produce demos rather than commit to a full live act. The group honed their sound through unsigned gigs at intimate New York venues, including spots like the Bowery Ballroom, building a grassroots following amid the city's post-punk revival. These early performances emphasized Hitt's jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to Britpop influences even before any recordings surfaced. Hitt's established modeling profile, featuring campaigns for brands like Gucci and Ben Sherman, contributed to early media buzz, with outlets like Vogue spotlighting the band as a fresh NYC act in 2012. This attention helped secure a deal with the UK-based Birthday Records, founded by musician Nick Hodgson, just months after formation. The label released the band's debut EP, Between Us Girls, on February 4, 2013, as a limited 7-inch vinyl. Recorded in a swift session at Seaside Lounge studio in Brooklyn by engineer Josh Franklin—completed in about a month after the lineup solidified—the EP featured three tracks: "Long Hair," "You've Got It All Wrong," and "A Shell Across The Tongue." Its raw, energetic indie rock sound captured the band's urgent live energy and marked their transition toward wider recognition, leading to a subsequent signing with Frenchkiss Records.

Debut era and breakthrough

Following the release of their debut EP Between Us Girls in February 2013, Drowners garnered attention in the indie rock scene, leading to a signing with New York-based label Frenchkiss Records in April 2013. The band, fronted by vocalist and guitarist Matt Hitt, expressed appreciation for the label's understanding of band dynamics, which aligned with their rapid ascent from local New York performances. The self-titled debut album Drowners was recorded in New York with producers Gus Oberg and Johnny T. Yerington and released on January 28, 2014, via Frenchkiss Records. Key tracks included the "Luv, Hold Me Down," which highlighted the band's angular riffs and energetic style, alongside songs like "Long Hair" that contributed to the album's cohesive sound. The album achieved moderate commercial success, entering the Heatseekers Albums chart and receiving placements in international markets such as the . In support of the release, Drowners secured opening slots on North American tours with acts like The Vaccines, building on prior support gigs with Foals and Arctic Monkeys. They also embarked on their first headlining tours, playing small venues across the US and UK, including a March run with Skaters and a May headline stint in the UK. The band performed at Coachella in April 2014, marking an early festival appearance amid growing buzz. Media coverage positioned Drowners within the early 2000s indie rock revival, drawing frequent comparisons to bands like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys for their riff-driven energy and youthful swagger. Pitchfork praised the album's tight, high-energy tracks in a January 2014 review, while NME highlighted its nod to '90s influences reimagined through modern indie lenses. This hype solidified their breakthrough, establishing them as a promising act in the post-punk revival.

Later releases and inactivity

Following the success of their debut album, Drowners experienced a lineup shift in 2015 when drummer Joe Brodie was replaced by Daniel Jacobs, stabilizing the rhythm section for subsequent recording sessions. The band then focused on their sophomore effort, On Desire, which was recorded over the course of a year with producer Claudius Mittendorfer and emphasized darker, more introspective songwriting compared to their earlier work. Released on June 24, 2016, via Frenchkiss Records, the album explores recurring themes of confusion in relationships, miscommunication, longing, lust, power dynamics, and angst, exemplified in tracks like the lead single "Cruel Ways," which delves into emotional turmoil and relational doubt. To promote On Desire, Drowners embarked on headline tours across the United States and Europe in 2016. In the US, they performed at major festivals such as Lollapalooza in Chicago on July 28, while their European run included stops in the UK (London and Cardiff), Germany (Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne), France (Paris), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam) throughout October, showcasing a matured sound with heavier synth elements and intricate guitar work. The album received mixed critical reception, with some praising its emotional depth and others critiquing its lack of innovation. The band's touring momentum waned after 2016, with no further full-length releases or extensive tours announced. Their last public performance was a one-off appearance on October 12, 2019, at the FKR20 event in Brooklyn's Elsewhere venue, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Frenchkiss Records. As of November 2025, Drowners remain inactive, with no new music, reunions, or tour dates scheduled. This period of inactivity stems from members pursuing individual endeavors, including frontman Matthew Hitt's ongoing modeling career and his development of solo music projects.

Band members

Core lineup

The core lineup of Drowners consisted of four primary members who shaped the band's indie rock sound from its formation through its most active period. Matthew Hitt, born in 1987 in Wales, served as the band's founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist, as well as its primary songwriter, penning the majority of the lyrics with an elegantly understated style influenced by UK indie traditions. Prior to music, Hitt had established a career in fashion modeling, appearing in campaigns for brands like Gucci and Ben Sherman before relocating to New York City in 2011 to form the band. His songwriting drew from personal experiences in the transatlantic music scenes, blending melodic hooks with introspective themes. Jack Ridley III, an American guitarist, joined Drowners in 2011 shortly after its inception, taking on lead guitar duties and contributing to the band's jangly, riff-driven guitar work reminiscent of influences like the Smiths' Johnny Marr. His playing added a layer of textural depth to the group's post-punk-leaning sound, emphasizing angular riffs that complemented Hitt's vocals during live performances and recordings. Erik Lee Snyder, also American, came on board as bassist in 2011, bringing an extensive background in punk music that infused the band's rhythm section with raw energy and pop-oriented grooves. Snyder's contributions helped meld the group's UK-inspired melodies with American post-punk elements, creating a sound that evoked late-1970s new wave while maintaining a danceable edge. Daniel Jacobs, an American drummer, completed the core lineup from 2015 to 2019, joining for the band's later recordings including the 2016 album On Desire and providing a solid, multi-instrumental foundation that supported the evolving intensity of their live shows.

Changes and contributors

David Rubin served as the initial drummer from the band's formation in 2011 until approximately 2013, contributing to early live performances. Joe Brodie from Hull, UK, then served as drummer from around 2014 until 2015, contributing to early live performances including European tours supporting acts like Cage the Elephant. The self-titled debut album featured session drummer Lakis E. Pavlou. Following Brodie's departure, Daniel Jacobs joined as the permanent drummer in 2015, solidifying the quartet lineup of Matthew Hitt, Jack Ridley III, Erik Lee Snyder, and Jacobs for subsequent releases. Session contributors included producer Gus Oberg, who co-produced the 2014 debut album with Johnny T. and provided additional arrangement support, though not credited for keyboards. On the 2016 album On Desire, the core band handled primary recordings without notable guest vocalists or backing singers listed in credits. Beyond the drummer transition, the band experienced no major lineup alterations, maintaining its quartet configuration after 2015. For larger live shows, occasional additions like an extra keyboard player were incorporated to expand the sound.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound

Drowners' music primarily falls within the indie rock and post-punk revival genres, incorporating elements of alternative rock. Their sound is characterized by hooky guitar riffs, urgent vocals delivered with gritty EQ, and fast tempos that maintain a high-energy pace without reaching full punk intensity. On their self-titled debut album, these elements combined to emphasize raw, punchy power-pop structures with brief, forward-moving tracks averaging under three minutes, evoking a garage rock vibe through economical production reflective of tight budgets and quick recording sessions. The band's production on the debut leaned toward lo-fi influences, prioritizing scuffed, layered electric guitars and catchy choruses to capture unpolished urgency. By their 2016 sophomore album On Desire, the sound evolved to include heavier synth layers and more emotional depth, shifting from punky aggression toward melodic introspection with darker lyrical undertones. This progression was marked by a polished approach, featuring reverb-heavy guitars interwoven with synth rhythms and sombre tones, while retaining fast-paced, edgy riffs and charged choruses. The result showcased a more controlled dynamic range, with sturdy bass lines supporting bittersweet minor-key melodies.

Inspirations and comparisons

The Drowners drew significant inspiration from British post-punk acts, including Joy Division and The Smiths, with frontman Matthew Hitt citing the latter as his all-time favorite band and expressing a long-standing obsession with guitarist Johnny Marr's style. Joy Division's "Disorder" in particular served as a major influence on the band's second album, On Desire, shaping its atmospheric elements. The band's name originates from Suede's 1992 debut single "The Drowners," reflecting an affinity for 1990s Britpop, and Hitt has highlighted the intellectual songwriting evolution in post-punk following the Sex Pistols as a core influence, blending punk attitude with more thoughtful structures. American influences include nods to New York City garage rock, particularly The Strokes, whom the band has cited as an admired reference point alongside East Coast punk traditions. Hitt has also pointed to Arctic Monkeys as a modern touchstone, noting their impact on the band's word-heavy lyricism and having opened for them on tour. Critics frequently compared Drowners to the early Strokes for their jangly guitar work and themes of youthful angst in relationships, as well as to Arctic Monkeys for witty, conversational songwriting centered on romance and rejection. In interviews, Hitt emphasized the band's intent to fuse UK indie sensibilities with US punk energy, drawing from post-punk's punk roots while incorporating New York City's raw edge.

Discography

Studio albums

The Drowners' debut studio album, titled , was released on January 28, 2014, through Frenchkiss Records. Recorded in May 2013 at East Village Recording Centre in , the album consists of 11 tracks that delve into themes of love and angst, capturing the raw emotional intensity of interpersonal relationships. Production was handled by Gus Oberg and Johnny T. Yerington. The tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1Ways to Phrase a Rejection1:46
2Long Hair1:48
3Luv, Hold Me Down2:50
4Watch You Change2:42
5You've Got It Wrong1:50
6Unzip Your Harrington2:41
7Pure Pleasure2:32
8Reading the Air2:47
9Treat You Right3:04
10New York City Static2:41
11What You Do3:41
The album's commercial performance was modest, with no major certifications. The band's second studio album, On Desire, followed on June 24, 2016, also via Frenchkiss Records. Recorded at multiple studios including Electric Lady and The Bunker, it was produced by Claudius Mittendorfer and features 10 tracks centered on themes of desire and vulnerability, examining longing, lust, and emotional miscommunication in relationships. The tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1Troublemaker2:41
2Cruel Ways3:24
3Human Remains3:51
4Someone Else Is Getting In3:57
5Dreams Don't Count3:34
6Conversations with Myself4:45
7Another Go3:30
8Pick Up the Pace3:03
9Like a Heart3:26
10Never Go Out3:49
On Desire received no major certifications. As of November 2025, the band has released no further studio albums.

Extended plays and singles

Drowners' debut extended play, Between Us Girls, was released in February 2013 as an independent production on 7" vinyl. The EP features three tracks—"Long Hair," "You've Got It All Wrong," and "A Shell Across the Tongue"—showcasing the band's early jangly indie rock sound with concise, hook-driven songs averaging under two minutes each. The band's first standalone single, "Luv, Hold Me Down," arrived later in 2013 as a digital release and served as the lead promotional track for their self-titled debut album. Clocking in at around 2:50, it highlights frontman Matthew Hitt's raw vocals over driving guitars and became a key introduction to their post-punk influences. No B-sides were included in its primary digital format. For their second album On Desire, the band released "Cruel Ways" in early 2016 as a digital single, emphasizing a more polished, desire-tinged lyricism amid atmospheric production. This track, lasting about 3:24, was accompanied by no traditional B-sides but appeared in various promotional formats, including streaming and download options. Drowners produced no further extended plays or compilation appearances, maintaining a selective discography centered on these core non-album releases.

Tours and reception

Live performances

Drowners began their live career with a series of small club performances in New York City and the UK during 2013, helping to generate initial buzz around the band. Venues such as Mercury Lounge in NYC hosted early shows, including appearances alongside acts like Bad Girlfriend and The Denzels, where the quartet showcased their raw indie rock sound to intimate crowds. These gigs, often part of festivals like CMJ Music Marathon, allowed frontman Matt Hitt and his bandmates to refine their setlists and connect with emerging music scenes on both sides of the Atlantic. The band's breakthrough came in 2014 with their debut at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, performing on April 12 and 19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, marking a significant step in gaining wider exposure. This festival slot preceded a headline North American tour sponsored by Dr. Martens, spanning over 20 cities and emphasizing their growing U.S. presence through high-energy performances. In Europe, they supported rising acts on select dates, blending into the UK's vibrant indie circuit while promoting their self-titled debut album. By 2016, Drowners had expanded their touring footprint, participating in the U.S. festival circuit, notably at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, where they debuted tracks from their second album On Desire across multiple showcases. In the UK and Europe, they took on support slots for established artists, including Cage the Elephant's European tour and SKATERS' UK dates, performing in venues ranging from clubs to larger halls. Overall, the band completed approximately 100 shows between 2013 and 2016, solidifying their reputation as a reliable live act. Drowners' stage presence was characterized by high-energy punk-infused sets, driven by Matt Hitt's charismatic frontmanship, which often included engaging crowd interactions and a schoolboy-like grin that captivated audiences. Their performances maintained an upbeat, catchy vibe without any reported major incidents, focusing instead on delivering tight, feel-good rock experiences.

Critical response and legacy

The Drowners' self-titled debut album, released in 2014, received mixed critical reception, aggregating a Metascore of 58 out of 100 on Metacritic from 13 reviews. Pitchfork lauded its punchy power-pop hooks and concise tracks but critiqued the album's derivativeness, primarily echoing the Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, assigning it a score of 5.8 out of 10. NME rated it 7 out of 10, praising the band's effective recreation of jangly 1980s indie narratives while acknowledging its reliance on familiar influences. The Guardian awarded 3 out of 5 stars, describing the record as unoriginal yet wildly exciting in its execution. The band's sophomore effort, On Desire (2016), garnered slightly improved notices with a Metascore of 59 out of 100 based on 4 reviews. Reviewers highlighted a maturing sound that shifted toward new wave elements and greater band cohesion, though it was faulted for lacking innovation and occasionally feeling complacent compared to the debut's urgency. Q Magazine scored it 60 out of 100, noting a darkening intrigue but critiquing the slow evolution from prior work. Commercially, Drowners experienced modest success, with neither album achieving significant chart positions or widespread sales, reflecting their position as a niche act in the indie scene. Despite this, the band contributed to the revival, blending energy with accessible hooks that resonated in underground circuits and inspired elements of subsequent garage and revivalist acts. Culturally, frontman Matthew Hitt's established modeling career—featuring campaigns for brands like DKNY—created a distinctive crossover between indie music and fashion worlds, amplifying the band's visibility in style-oriented media. The group's name, directly referencing Suede's 1992 debut single "The Drowners," underscored their nod to Britpop lineage and helped position them within revivalist conversations. Though they received no major awards, Drowners cultivated a dedicated cult following, evidenced by consistent live draw and enduring fan engagement post their active touring period in the mid-2010s.

References

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