Select Page

Drook

Drook is a pop band from Richmond, Virginia.[2] One reviewer described their live performance as, "freakily locked-in and uncannily special to behold".[3]

Performances

The members of Drook established the band while students at Virginia Commonwealth University.[4] The band's first show was in November 2018.[5] Until 2020 the band performed with the name "She" which was their first artistic choice, but then they changed to "Drook" to gain more Internet findability.[4] Their 2020 EP "TRL 2004" is guitar-driven, spacey, indie pop.[1] The single "She" from that release has intense lyrics with a theme of self-destruction and seeking help.[4]

2023

Drook played at The National theater in 2020, which was an early goal of the members.[4] Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic restricted live performances, and the band's next EP in 2022, "Life In Estates", is titled to refer to isolated life at home.[6] That recording is dream pop with more percussion.[1] One reviewer compared that EP's songs with bold-tasting candies and sweets.[6] Another reviewer described Grishaeva's vocals sounded as if she were singing sweetly while the world conspired against her.[7] The tour for that EP included a performance at South by Southwest, and convinced the members to make more music and tour more.[2] Their next EP, Mr. Fisher’s Dirty Club Mix, is electronic music for dancing.[2] Their 2024 album The Pure Joy of Jumping is hyperpop, manic, and energic.[8]

Members

Drook members especially like the Randolph and Jackson Ward districts in their hometown of Richmond.[4][5] For fun they watch anime together, with Neon Genesis Evangelion being a favorite.[5] They listen to music together, and like to have band practice after having breakfast together.[5]

current
  • Liza Grishaeva, vocals [2]
  • Matthew Shultz, guitarist[2]
  • Tyler Smith, drums[2]
former
  • Kalean Brown, bass[6]

Works

  • TRL 2004, EP, 2020[1]
    • "She", music video[4]
  • Life In Estates,EP, 2022[1]
    • "Life in Estates",[7]
  • Mr. Fisher’s Dirty Club MixEP, 2023[2]
  • The Pure Joy of Jumping, 2024[8]
    • "Sprinter", music video[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Bonieskie, Andrew (April 22, 2023). "Of Good Nature, Wheeland Brothers, Honest Debts, and Drook: This Week's RVAMag Sound Check". RVA Mag.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Parnell, Annie (April 14, 2023). "Drook's Liza Grishaeva on keeping pop music fun". VPM. WWLB.
  3. ^ Enis, Eli (December 6, 2024). "Chasing Fridays: 2hollis, Shower Curtain, Drook, and more". Chasing Sundays.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Jones, Davy (September 20, 2022). "That One Song: "She" by Drook". Style Weekly.
  5. ^ a b c d Chloe; Cole (October 15, 2019). "Episode 20: She (Drook) by River City Sounds" (podcast). Spotify. River City Sounds.
  6. ^ a b c Wethington, George (October 18, 2022). "Evolution Through Restriction: How Drook Survived The Pandemic". RVA Mag.
  7. ^ a b deathordesire (October 12, 2022). "Drook - "Life In Estates"". deathordesire.
  8. ^ a b c Nunnally, Doug (November 18, 2024). "Drook Brings Vivid Force To LCY Uncut With "Sprinter"". The Auricular.

Further consideration