Going into Boston Calling, one of the sets that I was most excited for was from Philadelphia’s The War On Drugs. I’ve seen them before, but not on their current tour for new album Lost In The Dream, an album which is one of the year’s best for sure (get on it if you haven’t already). Based on every late night performance and live clip I’ve seen online, the group sound like they are in the best form of their career, slaying at a moments notice.
I’m glad to report that their set yesterday was no different, a sturdy showing of atmospheric and moody guitar jams that evoked a powerful emotional response at nearly every turn. I found myself constantly lost in the world of frontman Adam Granduciel, who has a Bruce Springsteen-like spirit on stage, being dramatic in a strictly musical sense, putting every bit of himself in every word and guitar chord and riff.
The peak of the show came towards the middle of their set with spirited performances of “Under The Pressure” and “Burning,” which was followed by the climatic “Red Eye,” which was played as if it was one of the best songs of the year, which it is.
Some bands don’t fit the setting of a midday festival performance. But in fact, The War On Drugs not only made it work, but made it seem picturesque. It was wonderful performance, one that I’ll be revisiting with every future listen of Lost In The Dream.
Find more photos of their set posted below.
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