The Albany post-hardcore quintet bring their UK tour to an explosive end!
Memo to self: next time you encounter a promising debut release, keep an eye on the band. Back in 2013, I reviewed Drug Church’s first album, ‘Paul Walker’, for another publcation; I enjoyed it, but then life got in the way, and I promptly forgot about the band until I witnessed their triumphant, tent-packing set at last year’s Outbreak Festival. Tonight, they’re back for their largest UK headline show to date, and we’re salivating at the thought of what we’re all in for this evening.
Liquid Mike get things started with some great synth (and occasionally trumpet!)-laden Weezer-esque power pop tunes. It’s heartening to see that the Electric Ballroom is already well over half-full by the time they take the stage, and the likes of ‘AT&T’ and ‘Instantly Wasted‘ deservedly get a fair few folks bopping away down at the front. Clearly stoked to be here, frontman Mike Maple mentions how the shows have been getting ever sweatier and crazier, ensuring that their set ends with us feeling happy to have arrived early and excited for what’s to come.
Downward’s lead guitarist sports what looks like a Fender Jazzmaster, so we figure – correctly, as it happens – that we’re in for some densely-layered post-rock/shoegaze action. Initially, our speed-freak selves are underwhelmed by the slow pace, but before we know it, songs like ‘The Waltz’ and ‘Perfect Food’ have us hypnotised, as do the deep blue lights in which they’re bathed for much of their set. They don’t have much to say to us, but by the time they finish, there are already a few minor stirrings in the pit, and it’s safe to say that We Are Ready. An understated victory, then.
“I think this is going to be a good evening!” That’s Drug Church vocalist Patrick, the most mischievous master of ceremonies you could wish for. Seriously, you could stick a tail on the guy, and call him a raccoon/weasel* (delete according to preference). It soon becomes clear that no quantity of crowd surfers could ever be enough for him; you have to feel for the Ballroom’s excellent security team, who handle everything – and everyone – that’s thrown at them with efficiency and good grace.
From the moment the crunchy power chords of the opening ‘Million Miles Of Fun’ blast forth from the speakers, the pit EXPLODES into action, and from then on, things only get better – and crazier. ‘Slide 2 Me’ gets everyone bouncing like the modern-day ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ that it is; ‘Hey Listen’ whips up a circle pit that would do any hardcore band proud, and old favourite ‘But Does It Work?’ sees Patrick almost drowned out by the crowd on the chorus. There’s also no shortage of energy onstage, with guitarists Nick and Cory and bassist Patrick lurching around the stage like some kind of post-hardcore wrestling tag team, and drummer Chris giving his kit merry hell.
The sea of sweat-drenched, smiling faces filing out of the Ballroom speak volumes. More fool me for not realising sooner just how much Drug Church have blossomed over the years; they’ve become a band to follow closely, and for everyone present tonight, a band to believe in. Come back soon, guys!
All Photos: ALEX GOOSE
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