The War on Drugs @ Barrowlands, Glasgow, 9 Nov

The drawling vocals and guitar work of Adam Granduciel and The War on Drugs make for an immersive Barrowlands gig

Live Review by Lewis Wade | 10 Nov 2017

Adam Granduciel may not have the trappings of a modern rock star – his lank hair bobs about his hunched shoulders and an old flannel shirt covers a band tee – but, fuck, was he born to play guitar. A more natural performer you'll never see as he and the band turn the clock back to a 70s heyday where it was all about the music, man.

After a tasty, though underappreciated set from The Barr Brothers, The War on Drugs arrive to a packed house at the Barrowlands. Without a word, they slip into In Chains from new album A Deeper Understanding, and we're quickly into a pattern of 'verse-chorus-mad-extended-solo-chorus-applause-repeat' that will last the whole night. There are some standout moments – such as Baby Missiles, Red Eyes and Up All Night – but this is an evening best enjoyed as a whole, letting yourself go to the drawling vocals, pounding drums, playful saxophone and omnipresent guitar.

Special mention must be made of main set closer Under the Pressure, which provides the only truly transcendent moment of the night. It builds and builds (like most War on Drugs songs), allowing the tension to rise to a fever pitch. The arrangement is then stripped back, before a Phil Collins-esque drum break blows the song wide open and the crowd goes bananas.

There's almost no chat from the band – all business – but they sound perfect all night and seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves, melting faces and dodging the darting lights. Enjoyment of this show is predicated on a willingness to get lost in the music, but Granduciel and co. offer the perfect template to work with.

http://thewarondrugs.net