The Drums have released “It Didn’t Matter”, a synth-pop collaboration with Iranian American alternative artist Mareux, as the first release on frontman Jonny Pierce’s new label, Abysmal Records. The song signals a retro electronic direction for the project and begins a planned run of new releases ahead of a Drums album next year.

Pierce said the track came together unusually easily and was inspired by the synthesiser-heavy music he loved as a teenager. Its lyrics centre on unreturned love, while Mareux contributes prominent synth textures; the pair alternate vocals and harmonise over keyboards, with guitar arriving near the end.