[Photo by Fan Zhen/chinadaily.com.cn]

Their set mixed old with new: the breezy tones of Let's Go Surfing stirred with the heavier and noisier elements of Magic Mountain. The lead single from their latest album Encyclopedia is an abrupt stylistic shift that runs through the whole album. "We knew that we were putting a wrench into our system with this record," said Jacob. "The first song that we put out from this record was Magic Mountain, which is by far the most deviant thing we’ve done yet. So we knew by putting this out that we would get a reaction."

The Drums hibernated from the outside world while creating their latest album. "When we're recording we shut everything out," said Jonathan. "We stop listening to music, shut off our computers and transport back in time a little bit and try to find inspiration within ourselves. We escaped to a little cabin in the woods and didn’t want any pressure whatsoever. We just decided to give in to all our musical fetishes and explore everything we’ve ever wanted to do."

And the Beijing crowd seemed to have backed the range in rhythm throughout the show: a reflection of The Drums'support base in the region. "We’ve been seeing a big change," continued Jonathan. "Kids who come to our shows, no one's chanting to hear the song Let's Go Surfing any more. They actually have some depth here and our fans are coming to our shows and their singing songs that are a bit heavier."

With the year winding down, and their 4-month tour wrapped up following a sentimental encore of Down by the Water, The Drums are enthusiastic about what lies ahead. "It's been one of the most intense, as well as the most inspiring tours we've done," said Jonathan. "Despite the exhaustion, we have a Puritan work ethic. We’re going to jump right in to making a new record. Encyclopedia very much inspired what's coming next."