The War on Drugs, Califone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre

Califone started the night off with a quiet and relaxed set. Tim Rutili pulled up a chair, took a seat and began to play. With very little banter, Califone just played their set and played it commendably. One of the very few times Rutili spoke to the crowd, outside of saying thank you and introducing songs, is when he questioned if they should continue the song Moses or not; Califone started the song and stopped after a few seconds, only to continue playing. Califone aren’t about entertaining like an overly generous host at a gathering; They’d rather serve the food and let the audience decide on their meal themselves.

The lighting was basic, and the sound was clear. With everyone letting the music speak for itself, Califone was pleasant but not overly exciting. I figure that it’s also fine that they didn’t try pretend to try and be more rambunctious to be more entertaining. Their music alone is superb, and any fans of indie rock of all sorts should definitely check them out. Maybe this is the kind of band that needs more visual elements applied to their set, as their luscious soundscapes could definitely benefit from a colourful aid. Nonetheless, Califone were amicable enough to work as an opening act.

The War on Drugs was a great fit in the headlining position, on the topic of bands and their placements on the schedule. While their music is textured enough to create landscapes and settings as well, there is just enough edge supplied by Adam Granduciel’s guitar leads. Their lighting set up wasn’t over the top either (although it was slightly more prominent than Califone’s), but that’s fine; as long as there is a driving force of some sort in the music strong enough to propel a show and not have it parked idle. With the layers of instruments piecing together a stunning puzzle, it was Granduciel’s guitar solos that turned this great show into a stunning one. 

That’s because Granduciel has clearly been influenced by Bruce Springsteen. It isn’t a new comparison, and it isn’t one that will cease to be made after this very one. The War on Drugs have a fine ear for harmony, and it works just as well live as it does on album. They simply do not focus only on being an entertaining band, as they jump up the extra plateau higher and aim to be the kind of band that will make your eyes water and not the kind to simply make you move. Their mission was accomplished, as many audience members would just stand in awe during songs (and even afterwards). No one was bored at The Phoenix: Just not everyone knew how to take in the emotional ride. For a band named after a battle against hallucinogenic substances, The War on Drugs sure feel the complete opposite way, as they caused quite a trip in Toronto.