What makes The Sound of Drums by Rogue Traders notable?

'The Sound of Drums' received notable attention upon release, charting in the top ten of the Australian Albums Chart. The album reflects a continued evolution in the electronic rock genre, showcasing the band's ability to blend dance elements with rock sensibilities, which influenced subsequent Australian pop-rock acts. Released on January 1, 2011, 'The Sound of Drums' marked Rogue Traders' fifth studio album as they navigated a phase of reinvention following their commercial success with hits like 'Voodoo Child'. At this point in their career, they were aiming to expand their sound while maintaining the catchy melodies that defined their earlier work.

Who is The Sound of Drums for?

The Sound of Drums works well if you're into dance floor energy throughout, dynamic flow with varied pacing and infectious beats for celebration.

How many songs are on The Sound of Drums?

The Sound of Drums has 29 tracks, running approximately 113 minutes.

The Sound of Drums

Rogue Traders · 2011

113 min · 29 tracks · electronic rock

A vibrant blend of electronic rock and pop hooks, pulsing with energy and anthemic choruses throughout.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Voodoo Child — As the lead single, this track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its infectious chorus and energetic beats, setting the tone for the album.
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Don’t You Wanna Feel — This track features an irresistible hook and danceable rhythm that exemplifies Rogue Traders' knack for crafting club-ready anthems.
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Watching You — With its layered production and lyrical storytelling, this song showcases the band's ability to weave narrative into catchy pop-rock compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid electronic rock elements but lacks standout tracks and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of driving electronic beats paired with melodic hooks across nearly all tracks.
Many songs employ layered vocal harmonies, often featuring call-and-response sections that create anthemic choruses.
The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the latter half introduces slower tempos and more introspective lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dance floor energy throughout
dynamic flow with varied pacing
infectious beats for celebration
for upbeat gatherings
wave-like listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective music
seek standalone, succinct tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2011, 'The Sound of Drums' marked Rogue Traders' fifth studio album as they navigated a phase of reinvention following their commercial success with hits like 'Voodoo Child'. At this point in their career, they were aiming to expand their sound while maintaining the catchy melodies that defined their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Empire of the Sun· Foster the People· MGMT

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Never Liked You

The shift from upbeat to introspective lyrics reveals a vulnerability not present in earlier tracks.

This moment stands out as it introduces a contrast within the album's generally energetic tone, reflecting deeper emotional layers.