Photo by Cara Robbins
The U.S. Marine Corps and indie pop seem like they’d be worlds apart, but Jacob Dillan Summers has a boot in both. The L.A. native is a former Marine and world champion in rudimental snare drumming, and he’s translated that into his own music. Summers records under the name Avid Dancer, and he’ll be making his debut on January 21 with a 7″ single.
While dressed in psych-pop duds, A-side “Stop Playing With My Heart” burns with a soulful intensity at its core. Over a funereal beat, Summers lays out his basic plea: “I just want to be where you are / So help me / Stop playing with my heart.” Fans of Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra will identify with the candy-colored sound, but Avid Dancer holds the cards a little bit closer to the chest, making for a tantalizing first taste.
