Live Review
The War On Drugs
La Flèche D'Or, Paris
May 26 2014
Words: Alison Mack
Before they head over to the UK and then on to Primavera, The War On Drugs - about whom much has been spoken in recent months, and praise for their latest album 'Lost In The Dream' already ranking it in terms of one of the best albums of the year - stopped off on the current leg of their conquering of Europe to entertain a Parisian crowd in the French capital.
When the Philadelphians take to the stage to fire their canon of songs that straddle the classic rock genre so well, any lingering comparisons to frontman Adam Granduciel's former bandmate Kurt Vile are swiftly cast aside. As the band work their way through a large selection from the new album, many of which deal the cards on love, loss and loneliness, they manage to strike a stirring chord through to the heart.
Hit single ‘Red Lights’ - performed in front of vermilion hues - with strident synths and orchestration, creates an epic ambience, fuelled by the understated, yet commanding, presence exuded by Granduciel. The melancholic 'Suffering' with its wailing guitars, and ‘An Ocean In Between The Waves’ where he sings of “I can barely see you/You’re like an ocean between the waves” hint at inner turmoil lyrically, yet so sonically uplifting in melodic structure; ‘In Reverse’ similarly yearns over plaintive keys to lyrical angst , “when we’re living in the moment/and losing our grasp”.
Through waves of haunting guitar that come with 'Lost In The Dream' there was no doubt that they had achieved their aim here in Paris, winning over the cosmopolitan audience of which no doubt there were those present who, not understanding the language, were simply beguiled by the aura . As a parting gesture, Granduciel snaps a crowd shot with his polaroid camera before departing. A night to remember.
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