Toronto loves the War on Drugs

When Philadelphia’s folk-rockers War on Drugs rolled through Toronto this passed summer  they almost didn’t make it to an in-store performance at Soundscapes. The band hit traffic on the way into town and thought about blowing off the pared down set scheduled before their gig at the Drake Underground. But the four did make it and while passing by the store front on College St. spotted a silk banner dyed in the colours and abstract pattern that makes up the cover art for Slave Ambient, the group’s acclaimed album released just days before. The banded was so touched by the banner it was sent to them and is now the backdrop of their current tour.

Such is the love that Toronto has for War on Drugs. It was a sold out show at the Horseshoe last night with everyone on their feet. Frontman Adam Granduciel, long time bassist Dave Hartley and new comers Robbie Bennett and Mike Zanghi on keys/guitar and drums respectively take the pains to recreate the album’s sound as authentically as possibly live. This makes for an awesome display of gear when they take the stage.

Helping to keep it true was local musician Joseph Shabason on saxophone and keys, who they picked up while on tour with Vancouver’s Destroyer this past spring (opener André Ethier joked that Shabason is a National Treasure, and jokes aside he might very well be having played the famous 80’s inspired sax parts on Destroyer’s Kaputt).

Playing heavily off of Salve Ambient there was also small tastes off 2010’s Future Weather EP.  With his “cheat sheets” splayed out Granduciel lead the band into a fuzzed-out but equally plucky cover of the Grateful Death’s “Touch of Grey” that brought one fan dancing to the front to sing along, waving finger pistols and all.

UK dream-pop group Still Corners were slated to play but have dropped out of the remaining North American dates. They were hardly missed as fellow Philly shoegazers Arc in Round (who played Lee’s in July with former War on Drugs member Kurt Vile) warmed up the crowd. Local André Ethier just about stole the show with his personal take on Dylan-goes-electric.

With the reciprocated love Toronto shares with War on Drugs and it’s proximity to the bands home of Philadelphia chances are they will be back through as often as they tour. You might want to keep on your toes and buy tickets as soon as shows are announce; it’s looking like the sold out shows will continue.

André Ethier and his ukelele.