The War on Drugs Take their Classic Sound to Stage AE

The War on Drugs
Stage AE
June, 9, 2015

The War on Drugs have moved up the ranks over the years, from Club Café to last years performance at Altar Bar and finally last Tuesday at Stage AE; much like their music that has expanded with “Lost In the Dream.” The bands critically acclaimed third album that hit 26 on the billboard charts.

Although the Philadelphia based band have become mega rock stars, playing behemoth festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella, they allow their fans to feel as if they’re still seeing them in the intimate Club Café.  At one point, lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Granduciel addressed the crowd, asking fans the score of the NBA Finals game, for big time basketball fan, bassist Dave Hartley.

Granduciel sounds like a young Bob Dylan on songs like “Eyes to the Wind,” and “An Ocean In Between the Waves,” but that’s where the comparisons end with The War on Drugs having a more Psychedelic Edge. You can also hear a Bruce Springsteen influence on “Red Eyes.”

You can compare these guys to a number of classic rock bands because of their throwback approach, but with their live shows and killer albums they are definitely solidifying their own place in rock history.