War on Drugs 2/2/22 Anthem
THis was my first time seeing them in 10 years, and first time seeing them headline. There was no opener. They started at 8:30, finished at 10:42. 14 song set plus a three song encore that included a Dylan song.
About have of the songs were energetic and great. The other half were slow and dull. It seems like their songs are samey, perhaps they could speed up the slow songs and I'd like all of them. Their latest album is on the slow and dull side. Best use of a (bass) sax in a rock band I've seen live, maybe ever.
Not the best looking band in the world. What is it with Philly bands? Dr. Dog, War on Drugs, the Roots, and I'm sure there are other Philly bands that could be included on the ugly list, but I'd need to use the Google. All rather homely people. At least Daryl Hall had nice hair back in the day. The lead singer Adam has listed Wilco as an inspiration. He looks like he could smurf into Jeff Tweedy if someone gave him a pair of nerd glasses and entered him into a few pie eating or hot dog eating (whichever is his preference, who am I to judge) contests. If he's reading this, I hope he takes it as a compliment.
Was Kurt Vile the lead guitarist when he was in the band? Adam is defintely no slouch on lead. I love it when lead singers do double duty as lead guitarist. That's true beast rock start mode.
Overall, I give the show a "B." It was worth the $25. I'm glad I didn't pay full price. I walked away saying that I'd see them again in another 10 years...but will I? I'll be 64, like in a McCartney song.
Lots and lots of people with their masks down. Probably so they could suck in more second hand weed smell, or partake first hand.
TLDR version: a Don Henly-esque performance with long droning syth and guitar solos. (Except not really, because Henley would have been on drums, and WOD, when playing their fast songs, definitely bring more energy than Diaper Don.)
