A year ago
and Est.1987 were hanging out with new band Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows
[D.R.U.G.S] as they played Leeds Cockpit. We chatted all things music, their
fans and being on the top of their game. Read that full interview HERE. Fast
forward to the present and tonight we head down to the vastly larger venue,
Leeds 02 Academy, to see the “post-hardcore supergroup” take to the stage as
the main support for Hollywood rockers “Black
Veil Brides”.
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| Front-man Craig Owens |
One by one
the members of D.R.U.G.S approach the stage: last, but not least, the enigmatic
front-man Craig Owens [ex- Chiodos] struts in front of the audience; the show
has begun. The swelling crowd, eager to see the American post-hardcore act,
lunge towards the band: their set already sparking energy from the sold out
crowd before the first song has even begun. The anthemic and stirring “The Only
Thing That You Talk About” is followed by the more bewitching “Graveyard Dancing”,
both from their 2011 self-titled debut. As their
set continues it is clear that D.R.U.G.S UK fanbase is a strong, loyal, and possible hybrid of their fans from former bands. They sing along contently and hang
on Craig’s every word as he challenges them to create circle pits and walls of
death, to which they valiantly oblige. The set list flows effortlessly from “My
Swagger Has A First Name” to “Laminated E.T. Animal” as bassist Nick Martin
[ex- Underminded] and guitarist Matt Good [ex- From First To Last] playfully
command and tease the crowd.
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| D.R.U.G.S bassist Nick Martin |
Infectious
single and obvious favourite “Sex Life” causes
the entire Academy to ignite; the crowd, from the floor to the balcony, were
captivated. “What an amazing orgy this has been” laughs Craig afterwards and
the crowd responds by hitting out harder and faster in the following song “Mr.
Owl Ate My Metal Worm”.
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| Craig Owens on stage in Leeds |
“Let out
some pain with some microphone psychiatry”, Craig bellows as he announces the
closing song: “If You Think This Song Is About You…” he shouts “…It Probably
Is”, the audience finish off for him. D.R.U.G.S prove tonight that their
enthralling blend of rhythmic hardcore and catchy melodies deserves a headline
slot because, if tonight’s audience is anything to go by, their fans can’t wait
until their return!
