The War On Drugs at The Royal Albert Hall review | Indie icons put on an otherworldly show at iconic venue 

The War On Drugs brought their ethereal rock sound to life at The Royal Albert Hall, captivating fans with a mix of classic tracks and stunning visuals.

The War On Drugs’ ethereal sound is among the most distinctive in modern indie/alternative music, built around Adam Granduciel’s haunting vocals and distinctive guitar tones, buoyed by constant experimentation. Lost In The Dream and A Deeper Understanding are transformative records that define their unique style. The Philadelphia natives have consistently proven themselves as one of the most impressive groups today.

Having played massive festivals like Glastonbury, the Royal Albert Hall’s more intimate setting was a surprising yet perfect choice for their luscious soundscape. The opening night was memorable, featuring tracks from across their five albums.

The Clientele was an inspired choice for an opening act, delivering a steady 45-minute set featuring tracks from their latest album, I Am Not There Anymore. Their soothing performance set the perfect tone for The War On Drugs’ two-hour set.

From the opener ‘Eyes to The Wind,’ it was clear that the band was operating at peak performance. Adam Granduciel’s vocals were as impressive live as on their recordings. The intimate venue allowed for a blend of slower tracks and rousing numbers that had the audience fully engaged, creating a shared experience difficult to achieve in larger arenas or festivals.

The music was complemented by stunning visuals that enhanced the ambiance, with blues and purples and thick smoke adding a moody atmosphere. ‘Harmonia’s Dream’ featured a captivating, if slightly lengthy, light show that elevated the already gorgeous music.

The band rarely paused, with the longest breaks occurring when Granduciel switched guitars. The two hours flew by as they delivered track after track, creating a set that felt like a victory lap. The performance was a belated celebration of 2021’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore, which, along with 2017’s A Deeper Understanding, formed the core of the set.

Many tracks felt elevated in the live setting, with epic renditions of ‘Pain,’ ‘Strangest Thing,’ and ‘Up All Night.’ The combination of visuals and musicianship was truly incredible. ‘Red Eyes,’ one of three tracks from Lost In The Dream, received a fiercely energetic response from the crowd, showcasing their deep connection with the band’s work.

Their cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Love is A Long Road’ tapped into a harder rock side, performed with gusto. ‘Under The Pressure,’ a fan favorite, was truly anthemic live, with an extended instrumental section that elevated the track to new heights. It was a standout moment in a night full of beauty and radiance.

While it would have been nice to hear more from Lost In The Dream on its 10th anniversary, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise exceptional show. Despite the lack of new material, the crowd’s spirit remained undampened. Even the torrential rain post-gig couldn’t dent the euphoric atmosphere.

Ultimately, this performance was a perfect showcase for The War On Drugs, especially in a live setting. Over 16 tracks, there wasn’t a misstep, delivering a masterclass in live music. The band demonstrated why they are regarded as an outstanding live act, further solidifying their reputation and the strength of their discography.



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