Inhabiting a universe in which tea parties are ripe for the crashing and Fidel Castro lookalikes can be found lazing about parks, M Blash’s video for the Drums’ infectious new single “Money” brings frontman Jonathan Pierce's wistful lyrics to life. "It's absurdist," says Blash of the clip, which was filmed in and around the city, from Chinatown to Queens to the West Side Highway. The Smiths-indebted tune is the first off the Brooklyn outfit's much anticipated second album, Portamento, which sees the surf rock–inflected three-piece retain the sonic giddiness that has become their hallmark, while adopting a more confessional tone. "Things have become more personal," says Pierce. "On our first album we romanticized everything. Portamento is rooted in honesty." Originally from Florida, the Drums burst on to the music scene in 2010 with their freewheeling Summertime EP before releasing a self-titled debut that went on to sell 200,000 albums. A member of the prestigious Director's Bureau, Blash has created music videos for the likes of Final Fantasy (aka Owen Pallett), as well as writing and directing the 2006 Cannes-screened feature Lying, starring Chloë Sevigny. We asked Pierce to talk monetary inspiration.

How would you sum up the song's meaning?
It's essentially about trying and failing, but with a heart that is mostly sincere.

What prompted you to hook up with M Blash to direct the video?
I met M. about a year ago at Gus Van Sant's house in LA. At the time we were directing all our own videos, but with the new album we wanted to bring in talented people who really get what our band is about.

The lyrics to "Money" talk about doing something nice before you die. What's your view on the afterlife?
Hell was always too scary and heaven always sounded too boring. Life is better without those things, and so is death.

What would you buy a loved one if money was no object?
It depends on who it is. I'd like to buy [guitarist Jacob Graham] a Roland 505 string and organ synthesizer. It's his dream. I must say after playing one, I wouldn't mind having one myself.