Events

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Destroy. Rebuild. Tour. D.R.U.G.S. Varials, The Calous Daoboys, 156/Silence, Sharptooth

Doors | 5:30 pm // Show | 6:00 pm

D.R.U.G.S.

Post-hardcore Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S.) is back with a new full-length album, ‘DESTROY REBUILD,’ their first release since 2011’s acclaimed self-titled debut album. Craig Owens is once again at the project’s helm and has again orchestrated a band and record that is sure not just to catch your attention but also keep it. The new release, ‘DESTROY REBUILD,’ offers listeners the uniquely nostalgic D.R.U.G.S. sound they have been craving while also exploring new territories making ‘DESTROY REBUILD’ the perfect progression and exciting new chapter.

When Owens got to writing, he described Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows’s signature sound as “fast, to the point, syncopated rhythms with a melody on top.” The aggressive melodies are paired with low-tuned guitars and introspective lyrics to create the nostalgic alternative rock sound that we all grew up with and have come to crave. To capture this sound, Owens connected with A-List producer Howard Benson whose past work with My Chemical Romance and The All American Rejects heavily influenced the modern alternative rock world. Benson’s raw talent for recording helped shape the structures and harmonies of the album. Owens found this collaborative process cathartic and embraced his newfound flow of creativity.

Owens’ knack for creating sincere lyrics shines through while touching on topics like destiny, perspective, and redemption on ‘DESTROY REBUILD.’ It is a physical manifestation of the course he has taken in his musical career and encapsulates each step along the way. “Everything that we are today is because of yesterday, and this depicts where I have been, but also where I’m going.” It is a bright reflection of one’s life and actions, and it encourages the listener to do the same in their own life.

“DESTINY,” the first single off of the record, is a solid bridge between the first D.R.U.G.S. self-titled record and ‘DESTROY REBUILD.’ Is it a hard-hitting track that expertly blends the nostalgic alternative rock sound with enough modernity that’s sure to appeal to many different listeners. Another track off the album, “The Arm,” is a collection of melodies, lyrics, and hooks eloquently constructed together. It is known as the “anomaly” of the album due to its organic nature of origin and leans toward the band’s future.

‘DESTROY REBUILD’ is an exciting new beginning for Owens. It is a way for him to connect with fans to share life experiences, and he is hoping the album will help them cope with whatever they are dealing with and experiencing. “This album is my first step forward without thinking of running back,” Owens stated. “I hope it can leave a mark and grow with people.”

Varials

The Philadelphia, PA quintet—Travis Tabron [vocals], Mitchell Rogers [guitar], James Hohenwarter [guitar], Sean Rauchut [drums], and Mike Foley [bass]—augment an airtight assault of metallic unpredictability and hardcore spirit with poetic punchlines and lyrical storytelling that wouldn’t be out of place on a Kendrick Lamar verse. Maybe it’s the water in Philadelphia, but the same gritty streets that inspired everyone from Rocky Balboa to Meek Mill powered these five musicians. The group’s debut Failure Control EP yielded a string of fan favorites such as “Deadweather” and “Stigmata,” which both cracked 100K Spotify streams. They released the Absolution split EP with Vicious Embrace in 2016 and earned acclaim from Alternative Press, Revolver, Punktastic, and more. Varials approach heavy music from a different angle altogether on their full-length debut, Pain Again [Fearless Records]. This mindset expands the possibilities of “heavy” throughout 11 brash, bruising, and brilliant anthems, with the band taking a collective step forward. They collated ideas for what became Pain Again before entering the studio with producer Josh Schroeder [King 810] during early 2017. Booked for six weeks, they tracked everything in under two with Travis often impressively writing lyrics in the booth and on the spot. Ultimately, Varials tell the story in their own way, and it’s bound to make a big impact.