Music / Adam Granduciel
Review: War on Drugs, O2 Academy
When it was announced that the War on Drugs were playing the 1500 capacity Academy venue, it felt like a huge step up for the band who had previously graced the Thekla’s relatively small stage during their last Bristol visit. This year’s ‘Lost in the Dream’ album was a huge leap ahead for the band, previously a solo project for Philidelphia’s Adam Granduciel. This recent success has resulted in this show selling out way in advance with anticipation high.
The night’s support was from Kurt Vile’s former guitarist Steve Gunn who warmed the crowd up nicely with his rootsy songs and virtuoso guitar playing.
The War on Drugs opened with a version of album highlight ‘Burning’ with granduciel’s guitar disappointingly drowning out the synth riff present on record, which gave it a less anthemic sound. Fortunately any worries about the rest of the show being a let down were then quashed by what was to come.
Lost in the Dream’s opener ‘Under the Pressure’ was an early highlight with the guitars adding more of an exciting punch to the long track. The obvious difference between the band’s recorded output and their live show is Granduciel’s loud guitar playing which threatens to drown out everything else. Thankfully he managed to reign it in whilst still playing thrilling solos.
A couple of tunes apiece were played from the band’s ‘Wagonwheel Blues’ debut and 2011’s breakthrough album ‘Slave Ambient’. This excited both the old fans and those who have got into the band’s old albums more recently. A cover version of Bill Fay’s I hear you calling is also played.
The biggest crowd-pleaser of the night was obviously ‘Lost in the Dream’s lead single ‘Red Eyes’ which is almost as good live as it is on record. That song was then outclassed by an achingly beautiful version of ‘In Reverse’. This provided a perfect close to the main set before they returned with a three song encore.
Thankfully the War on Drugs managed to live up to expectations and certainly didn’t disappoint.
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